Star Melbourne midfielder Christian Petracca has suffered a pre season injury setback on Friday morning.
The 2021 premiership player suffered a cracked rib, just months on from his terrifying internal injuries that forced him to miss the second half of the 2024 season.
The Demons are yet to put a timeline on his return.
Petracca underwent surgery at the time to repair four broken ribs, lacerations to the spleen and a punctured lung after an incident in the Demons' 38-point loss to the Pies in round 13.
The club provided an update on the 29-year-old's condition after the incident on Friday.
Christian Petracca of the Demons during 2025 pre season training. Getty
"During today's (Friday) training session, Christian received a knock to the rib area in a contest," Demons performance manager Selwyn Griffith said in a club statement.
"We sent Christian for scans this afternoon, which unfortunately showed a crack in his rib."
It's a detrimental setback after his scary internal injuries that were mismanaged by the club, according to a frustrated Petracca family.
"This is frustrating news for Christian, who was progressing well and had recovered from the rib and spleen issues he sustained during the 2024 season," Griffiths said.
"A timeline for his recovery will be determined in due course."
It's been a difficult six months for Petracca away from his injuries, as he was also reportedly hinting at interest in exploring trade options at the end of a disappointing 2024 campaign.
The premiership player later shut down those suggestions.
