AFL superstar Christian Petracca admitted to hospital for more surgery in new health setback
- Melbourne superstar back in hospital for surgery
- Petracca was admitted to hospital with appendicitis
- The illness has nothing to do with his injuries last month
Melbourne star Christian Petracca is facing another ‘traumatic challenge’ off the field as he undergoes surgery to remove his appendix.
Petracca, who was already sidelined for the remainder of the AFL season, was admitted to hospital on Saturday evening with appendicitis.
The 28-year-old appeared to be in good spirits and his girlfriend Bella Beischer posted a photo of the star player in the hospital with the caption ‘still smiling’.
The Demons said the illness is unrelated to the injuries to Petracca’s spleen, lungs and ribs in the on-field accident that kept him out of the game last month.
“Christian suffered severe abdominal pain yesterday and was admitted to hospital where he was diagnosed with appendicitis,” Demons football manager Alan Richardson said in a statement on Sunday.
‘That’s why he will undergo surgery today (Sunday) to remove his appendix.
“It is obviously a stressful time for Christian, Bella and their families, who have been through so much in the past month. We want to offer them as much love and support as possible.
Christian Petracca (pictured) is battling a new health problem and will undergo surgery to remove his appendix
Petracca’s season was ended by a serious injury that saw him rushed to hospital for surgery
“It is a testament to Christian’s character that he continues to face these traumatic challenges with such a positive attitude.”
Petracca has been sidelined since Melbourne’s loss to Collingwood on June 10, when he was accidentally kneed by Magpies captain Darcy Moore.
Petracca suffered a ruptured spleen, a punctured lung and four broken ribs from the collision.
The Demons were criticised for allowing the prolific midfielder back on the field that day, but fiercely defended their medical staff afterwards.
Petracca and coach Simon Goodwin both publicly defended the club doctors, who were cleared of any wrongdoing by the AFL.