Parramatta Eels star recruit Blake Ferguson has suffered suspected broken ribs after leaving the field in the second half of his side's NRL clash with Canberra.
Ferguson copped an early blow and played on after he was injected with painkillers but took himself out of the game after 45 minutes.
Eels coach Brad Arthur was less than optimistic his star winger would be fit for their Easter Monday clash against the West Tigers next week.
"He got a whack in the ribs early in the game and tried to play on for us and got a needle but couldn't do his job properly so we had to make a change," Arthur said.
"He'll need to get X-rays tomorrow but, yeah, he said it's pretty sore. We'll wait and see if he's in or out next week then we'll worry about it."
Ferguson has starred for the Eels this season and averaged more than 200 running metres per game since signing from premiers the Sydney Roosters.
The former NSW Blues winger could miss up to six weeks with the injury.
Australian Associated Press
