Essendon midfielder Jason Winderlich is a chance to return to the AFL this Friday night against the Blues despite undergoing surgery to repair a fractured hand less than a week ago.

The 25-year-old had a plate inserted in his hand last Tuesday following a fracture sustained in the Bombers’ win over North Melbourne and is already a 50-50 chance to play according to general manager of football operations, Paul Hamilton.

“The operation went well and we were really happy with how the procedure went,” Hamilton said.

“We will know in the next two or three more as to whether he will be available this week but he is probably a 50/50 chance at the moment.

“There is an opportunity for him if he gets the mobility back in his hand this week and that is probably going to be the key as to whether he will play on Friday night.”
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Defender Henry Slattery is also expected to be available for selection after successfully overcoming bruised ribs sustained during the Bombers’ clash with the Crows in Round 14.

“Henry is more than likely going to be available this week,” Hamilton said.

“He has had a rib injury and we thought he would be available last week but we allowed him an extra week of improvement and recovery.”

The Bombers will be without the services of key position forward Scott Gumbleton this week after a courageous effort last Friday night left the 21-year-old with broken ribs and a slightly punctured lung.

“It was an impressive performance by Gumbleton who sustained his rib injury early in the second quarter and was clearly in a lot of pain. He took a little bit of a break and then at half time he put his hand up and said that he really wanted to be a part of it,” Hamilton told The Recovery Room on Bomber.tv.

“He went back out there with the knowledge that he most likely had broken ribs so it was very courageous by him.

“He not only had broken ribs but it turned out that there was a little bit of an outlet to the lung and there was a little bit of gas getting out.

“He probably won’t play again this season because those types of injuries usually keep you out for about four weeks but we are not closing the door completely and we will have to wait and see.”
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Sharpshooter Mark Williams is also on the mend after undergoing surgery to repair a long-standing ankle injury.

“Mark has had difficulties with his ankle for quite some time so they operated last week and found quite a large spur that had been causing him the difficulties,” Hamilton said.

“The spur was a bit larger than expected but they have removed that and tightened up a couple of ligaments because there was a little bit of damage.

“It is great that he was able to get that done and while we won’t see him for the rest of the year, we want to see him come back in really good condition next year.”
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