Jack Ziebell is expected to return to pre-season training at full strength, despite undergoing shoulder surgery on Monday.
Director of Football Geoff Walsh told NMFC.com.au the procedure was always on the cards for the club’s vice-captain.
“In terms of the operation, it was a very minor one,” Walsh said.
Ziebell had a tendon at the back of his shoulder repaired in order to strengthen it up in time for the upcoming season, according to Walsh.
“It was something we had always planned on Jack having at the conclusion of the season as it was related to a previous injury he had with his shoulder in 2014.”
Walsh said the 24-year-old’s shoulder hadn’t caused the midfielder any problems during the season, but was an issue that needed to be addressed.
“It wasn’t something that impacted him throughout the year but it was an operation that he needed to have when the time was right and that time was now,” Walsh added.
“It was a very minor procedure that will improve the strength and stability around the joint, but it certainly won’t impact his pre-season.”
The first group of players will return to Arden St from their pre-season break on November 23.
