Western Bulldogs defender Jason Johannisen will be out of action until after the team’s mid-season bye in round 15 due to a hamstring strain. Johannisen, who was slated to play against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday, sustained the injury last Thursday. Medical scans revealed a moderate-grade hamstring strain, ruling him out for at least four games. The Norm Smith medallist is anticipated to return in round 16 against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Johannisen has had a challenging time with injuries, missing nine weeks last season due to hamstring tendon damage. After making a brief return for two games, a calf injury then sidelined him for the final two weeks of the home and away season.
On a brighter note, veteran midfielder Tom Liberatore is set to return to the field next month. Liberatore, who has been under concussion protocols for the second time this season, received a positive review from a specialist and is expected to come back within the next three weeks.
Additionally, key defender Ryan Gardner is facing a lengthy recovery after injuring his wrist during training last week at Whitten Oval. The 26-year-old underwent surgery and will be out for approximately three months. Gardner has struggled with injuries, playing only 10 senior games last year and none so far in 2024, after a strong 2022 season with 22 games.
Despite these injury setbacks, Luke Beveridge’s team maintains a 5-5 record, sitting just one game outside the top eight. The Bulldogs recently defeated the Giants at Engie Stadium and dominated Richmond the previous week. They are set to host Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
