Birchall fractured his thumb during Sunday’s clash at Docklands, and Melbourne newspapers reported on Tuesday morning that scans show the defender needs surgery and may spend up to four weeks on the sidelines.
The defending premier will also be without Xavier Ellis next week after he suffered a foot injury, and The Age reports Travis Tuck has a hip flexor problem and will also probably miss the round four clash with Port Adelaide.
Birchall injured the thumb early in the win over the Roos, left the field to have it strapped, but returned to notch up 26 possessions.
Medicos decided on Monday that subsequent swelling warranted scans, and the bad news for the 21-year-old emerged.
One of the best for the Hawks in last year’s grand final, Birchall was one of many sore players at the club’s recovery session on Monday after the physical round three hit-out – the club’s first win of the season.
Some relief is on the way however, with ruckman Simon Taylor a certain starter next week after serving a suspension and fellow big man Robert Campbell also a chance to return from a glute injury.
This will come as welcome news to 20-year-old Brent Renouf who has shouldered the ruck duties over the past two weeks, including a very tough night out in round two against Swan Darren Jolly.
