Surgery to sideline Merrett

SCANS have confirmed that Essendon star Zach Merrett will need surgery to repair a high ankle syndesmosis injury that occurred late in Saturday’s loss to Brisbane.

According to a club statement, the 26-year-old will miss six to eight weeks of footy, while young gun Nik Cox remains a chance to face Melbourne in Round 3 after also injuring his ankle in the fourth term on Saturday.

Essendon GM of football Josh Mahoney confirmed a “long stint on the sidelines” for Merrett.

“Zach and Nik had scans this morning and have both suffered ankle injuries, with Zach expected to have a longer stint on the sidelines,” Mahoney said via a club statement.

“We will look at surgery as an option for Zach, but it is likely he will miss around six to eight weeks.

“Nik’s injury isn’t as severe so we will assess his recovery this week and give him the best chance to get up for our match against Melbourne.”

The Bombers will look to earn their first win of the season when they face Melbourne at the MCG in round three on Friday night.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN