Crows forward Josh Rachele is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after suffering three fractured ribs in Sunday’s win over North Melbourne.

Rachele was injured in a marking contest in the first quarter of the game, immediately came from the ground and did not return.

He underwent scans in hospital on Sunday night and had further scans on Monday morning which confirmed the rib fracture and cleared him of any other internal injuries.

“It’s a disappointing blow for Josh and the team but unfortunately in a contact sport these injuries are sometimes hard to avoid,” Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said.

“Josh was obviously subbed out of the game after coming from the ground, was treated by our doctors, and had subsequent scans in hospital.

“Fractured ribs are very painful so Josh will be given the time and space he needs to recover, and we will take a conservative approach to his rehabilitation and return to football.”