Parramatta have been dealt a huge blow after skipper Clint Gutherson was ruled out for up to five weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
Gutherson has struggled with his knee all year, requiring it to be drained on game day just to take the field against the Dolphins in Darwin earlier this month.
The Eels confirmed Gutherson underwent minor surgery on Tuesday.
Coach Brad Arthur is now without his two most important players with Mitchell Moses (foot) also at least another month away from returning.
Arthur is fighting to save his job as the Eels languish in 14th on the ladder. They have the bye this week, then face Brisbane, Melbourne, South Sydney and table-toppers Cronulla.
Gutherson’s enforced spell on the sidelines means Blaize Talagi, who is being groomed as Gutherson’s long-term successor, in the box seat to wear the No. 1 jersey.
Clint Gutherson will be sidelined for up to five weeks after under-going minor knee surgeryCredit: Getty Images
It has been a tough 24 hours for the Eels, with NRL head of elite competitions Graham Annesley confirming Will Penisini was sin-binned last Friday against Manly when tackling Tom Trbojevic who was in an off-side position.
Gutherson’s absence will also mean the Eels need to find another goal-kicker, with Gutherson having taken on kicking duties once Moses went down.
Meanwhile, in early team news, South Sydney are set to retain Dean Hawkins at halfback for Thursday’s clash against Penrith, with Izack Thompson training on the right wing during a wet morning at Heffron Park.
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