HAWTHORN star Cyril Rioli isn’t likely to return for another month according to GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan.
Rioli is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against the Suns in Round 15.
A scan on the dual premiership player’s hamstring has revealed the healing process hasn’t continued as expected.
“Regular surveillance scans on Rioli have shown his injury has been steadily improving, however, recent scans showed the tendon healing process has slowed a little,” Fagan said.
“Tuesday’s Bupa Recovery Report listed Rioli as 2-4 weeks, and that timeline is probably closer to four weeks than two.”
The Hawks had previously hoped Rioli would return before the finals but will take a cautious approach with the injured star.
If he misses four weeks, that would take him to the Qualifying or Preliminary Final should the Hawks progress that far in September.
It is the second time this season Rioli has been on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury – he also suffered a hamstring strain against the Swans in Round 8 but returned a month later.
