Melbourne Storm fans are holding their collective breath after winger Xavier Coates was carried off the training ground on a medicab following a nasty ankle injury on Thursday.
Coates, who has been a key player for the Storm in recent seasons, was participating in a routine training session when disaster struck. The severity of the injury is still unknown, but the fact that he required a medicab to leave the training ground has sparked fears that his season could be in jeopardy.
The Storm's medical staff will conduct a thorough assessment of Coates' ankle in the coming days to determine the full extent of the damage. If the injury is as serious as initially feared, it could have significant implications for the Storm's chances of success this season.
Coates has been a vital cog in the Storm's backline, known for his lightning-quick speed and elusive footwork. His absence would be deeply felt by the team, and coach Craig Bellamy will be forced to consider alternative options for the upcoming matches.
While the Storm have a deep roster with plenty of talented players, losing Coates would be a significant blow. The team is already facing a tough schedule in the coming weeks, and the loss of one of their star players would only add to the challenge.
As the Storm waits anxiously for the results of Coates' medical assessment, fans are hoping that the injury is not as severe as initially thought. With a long and grueling season ahead, the Storm can ill afford to lose one of their key players for an extended period.
One thing is certain, however - the Storm will be doing everything in their power to get Coates back on the field as quickly as possible. The team's medical staff will work tirelessly to rehabilitate the injured winger, and coach Bellamy will be exploring all available options to ensure that his team remains competitive in Coates' absence.
For now, though, the Storm faithful can only wait and hope that Coates' injury is not as serious as it initially seemed. The coming days will be anxious ones for the team and its supporters, as they wait for news on the extent of the damage and the likely timeframe for Coates' return to the field.