From Realfooty
WHILE a controversial surgical technique could ensure Nick Malceski returns from what would normally be a season-ending knee injury this weekend after just three months on the sidelines, an old-fashioned stomach bug yesterday meant the Swans defender was unable to endure his toughest test to date.
Malceski had been scheduled to undergo 10 minutes of tackling drills at the end of a light training session on the SCG. But feeling dizzy after a bout of gastro, he left the track early and the Swans' coaching and fitness staff will have to wait until tomorrow to see how the line-breaking defender fares under duress.
Given the radical nature of Malceski's surgery, during which a synthetic fibre was used to repair his damaged anterior cruciate ligament, hearts will be in mouths when he endures his first full-contact session. With some experts having questioned the wisdom of adopting the technique pioneered in Europe, the Swans are well aware they will receive heavy criticism if the 23-year-old goes down again.
However, so successful has Malceski's rehabilitation been since he injured the knee in a pre-season match in Hobart on February 17, and such is his importance to the Swans' prospects, coach Paul Roos does not rule out selecting him for Sunday's match against Essendon at ANZ Stadium.
"I haven't really given that a lot of thought," said Roos. "We'll see how he gets through the work at training on Wednesday and Friday before making any decisions. But the hope was that he would play (either seniors or reserves) if he gets through OK."