The Bombers will give their players every opportunity to be available for Sunday’s clash with St Kilda at the Gabba, after a four-day turnaround due to the AFL’s condensed fixture.

Head of medical services David Rundle said the focus had been on the players’ recovery and preparation heading into the round 12 match after the Bombers recorded just the season’s second draw on Wednesday night against Gold Coast.

“We have a four-day turnaround into the game against St Kilda, so once again, the big focus has been and will be continue to be on recovery into Sunday’s game,” Rundle said.

“Immediately after the game against the Suns, the playing group went to Rigs Recovery Centre here on the Gold Coast. The players were able to use the cryotherapy chambers, the NormaTec compression boots and the various ice baths. The players will also continue to use the high-performance centre at Bond University.” 

Rundle confirmed the main injury concerns out of the draw were to veterans David Zaharakis (quad) and Tom Bellchambers (knee). 

“David injured his quadriceps muscle when kicking for goal in the fourth quarter. He has sustained a high-grade quad tendon strain which will require an extended rehab period over the next 10 to 12 weeks which will rule him out for the remainder of the season,” he said. 

“Tom hyperextended his knee early in the game against the Suns in a centre-bounce contest and whilst there is no ligament damage, he has bone bruising. He will be given every opportunity to play this week with a decision on his availability being made as late as possible.” 

In positive news, the Bombers look likely to welcome back forward Jacob Townsend against St Kilda following his stint on the sidelines with concussion. 

“Jacob has successfully completed the mandatory concussion tests and has trained throughout the week without issue. He is expected to be available for selection this week,” Rundle said.

The club will continue to take a conservative approach with the impending returns of both Cale Hooker and Orazio Fantasia from calf injuries, with Rundle confirming a decision had been made that Hooker will not be available for selection for Sunday’s clash. 

Meanwhile, captain Dyson Heppell, Jake Stringer and Patrick Ambrose continue to progress well in their respective rehabilitation programs.

“It’s now eight weeks since Dyson fractured his ankle and had surgery," Rundle said.

"He is building his running volumes by doing a mixture of running over ground and running on the anti-gravity treadmill. He will continue to gradually build over the coming weeks until he’s at the level where he’s able to join in with the main group.

“For Jake, it’s now five-and-a-half weeks since he underwent his syndesmosis stabilisation surgery. He is making excellent progress and has commenced doing agility work as he continues to build his running loads. How quickly he comes on now will depend on how his ankle responds with increased change of direction and running loads. 

“Finally, it has been seven weeks since Pat sustained the mid-foot sprain. He’s progressed out of the boot and is working on strengthening the intrinsic muscles of his foot. It will take a little time to strengthen the foot, ankle and calf regions given he had six weeks in a boot, but we’re pleased with his overall progress to date.”

INJURY LIST: RD 12