Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel will miss the remainder of the 2020 season after scans confirmed an injury of his right  acromioclavicular (AC) joint.

Worpel returned to Melbourne yesterday, where he will undergo surgery on Thursday to stabilise the joint.

GM- Football Graham Wright said while it is disappointing end to the season for James, it is positive that he is able to undergo surgery and begin his rehabilitation quickly.

“It’s certainly not the way James wanted to end his season and it’s disappointing that he has had to return home ahead of the rest of the group,” said Wright.

“However, James and the club doctors decided it was in his best interest to undergo surgery as quickly as possible, in order to begin his rehabilitation.

“James is an absolute professional and we have no doubt he will attack his rehab with the same ferocity with which he attacks his footy.

“Given where our season is currently at, the silver lining for us and James is that he will be fit and firing in time for a return to preseason training.”

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