Western Bulldogs star Bailey Dale\u2019s season is in doubt after scans confirmed a fracture in his shoulder.<\/p>\n
Dale left the field late in Western Bulldogs\u2019 win over the West Coast Eagles on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.<\/p>\n
The dual All Australian fell awkwardly but had been one of the Bulldogs\u2019 best in their narrow escape against the Eagles.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs\u2019 head of medicine Chris Bell said Dale would need \u201cat least the next five weeks\u201d in recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the final three minutes of the match, Bailey landed awkwardly in a marking contest, causing an acute injury to his shoulder,\u201d Bell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cScans have confirmed that he has a minor fracture that was caused by the injury mechanism.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving consulted specialists, Bailey will not require surgical management for this injury; however a conservative approach will be taken to allow the fracture to heal.<\/p>\n
\u201cBailey will miss at least the next five weeks of football.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dale will racing against the clock and needing no hiccups to return ahead of the finals series, which begins in six weeks.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs are already embarking on the back third of the season without superstar Sam Darcy after he ruptured in ACL in round 6.<\/p>\n