Krakouer to consider LARS surgery

UPDATE: Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer will consider undergoing the radical LARS surgery in a bid to re-energise an AFL career threatened by injury only one year after his comeback at the top level.

Scans yesterday have confirmed that Krakouer suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee while playing for Collingwood's VFL team in a practice match in Geelong.

The injury occurred in the second quarter and Krakouer didn't take any further part in the game.

The Herald Sun is reporting Krakouer will see a surgeon tomorrow to discuss his options, with the quick-fix LARS believed to give the 29-year-old a better chance of continuing his career than a full 12-month reconstruction lay-off.

"Andrew has got a commitment from the club to explore every avenue to get back on the field as soon as possible," Krakouer's manager Peter Jess told the Herald Sun.

"If LARS was an option, we would grab it with both hands."

Krakouer had only recently returned to the Magpies after taking a few weeks off for personal reasons.

Club officials said Krakouer had had difficulty preparing for the 2012 campaign after his brilliant comeback season last year.

Krakouer returned to the AFL after spending 16 months in prison for assault.

"It is extremely disappointing for Andrew and the club that this injury has occurred," said Collingwood director of football Geoff Walsh.

"Andrew will meet with the surgeon over the next few days to discuss the surgery and rehabilitation process, and until that time we won't make any further comment on the matter."

Former Magpies coach Mick Malthouse contacted Krakouer last week and believed the WA product was ready to get back into the swing of the AFL following his leave of absence.

"Just spoke to Andrew last week and he was really keen to get back playing. A knee injury is the last thing he needs, I hope it's ok," Malthouse tweeted.

Forward Brent Macaffer needed a knee reconstruction after suffering a similar injury last Saturday in a pre-season game against the Western Bulldogs.

Alan Didak (thigh muscle) and Ben Johnson (hamstring) also hurt themselves earlier this month in training.