WESTERN Bulldogs defender Bob Murphy will be sidelined for at least eight weeks after suffering an elbow injury at training on Thursday.
Murphy is likely to undergo surgery in the coming days.
"Bob landed awkwardly on his elbow at training today, and scans showed some damage to the tendon," said the club's medical services manager, Andrew McKenzie.
"While we expecting confirmation from the specialist, we’re optimistic Bob will be available to play in the early parts of the season.
"Bob is a resilient person, and will rehabilitate the injury with the professionalism we’ve seen from him over fourteen seasons at the club."
The Bulldogs' first home and away game is against West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Sunday, March 23.
