Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Young West Coast forward Archer Reid has undergone knee surgery in a bid to make a comeback in the final weeks of the season.
Reid has not played since the round six western derby, but Eagles coach Andrew McQualter revealed they believe they have solved the problem plaguing the 20-year-old’s knee.
“Archer had a little procedure last week, which we’re hopeful we’ve found something that will help him in the short term,” he told 7NEWS on Monday night.
“So, he’s just got to recover from that surgery now, and we will sort of learn more as he starts to progress through the next stage of his rehab.
“We’re hopeful we’ve discovered what the problem is, and we’re certainly planning for him to be available again this year. It is a bit of a wait-and-see. He has missed a lot of football now, unfortunately.
“He’ll have a couple of weeks off running and then build himself back up.”
Reid ended last season in the injury ward after sustaining tendon damage in his toe.
The news is more positive for veteran Tim Kelly, who is set to slot straight back into the line-up for Friday night’s clash with Adelaide at Optus Stadium.
The midfielder missed the Eagles’ dire loss to Carlton at Marvel Stadium with a minor hamstring injury McQualter said the club didn’t want to risk aggravating with a five-hour flight to Melbourne.
“He was probably pretty close to being able to play on the weekend. It was just an away game, and the travel made it a little bit tricky, so we’re hopeful he can have a good week training and then be available for our game Friday night,” he said.
The Eagles will be without the services of emerging ruck-forward Cooper Duff-Tytler, who picked up a calf niggle against the Blues.
“He’s got a calf injury, so we’re just going to work through our return to play for him,” McQulater said.
“He’s going to miss this week, clearly, then we’ll work through how much longer it will be after that. It’s disappointing for Cooper and for us.”
However, a rest may prove fruitful for the 18-year-old former No.4 pick after he had an equal ground-low six disposals in Saturday’s 53-point humbling.
