Sustaining the injury in the Bombers’ round two win over Rochester, it was initially hoped the star forward would miss just four to six weeks.
But Kyabram coach Paul Newman confirmed last week that the full forward was set for surgery, ruling him out until the eve of the finals series.
“Kyle has been booked in for surgery, so best case scenario we’ll be aiming to get him back for the last month of the season,” Newman said.
“It is unfortunate to not have a guy of his quality in the side for such a long period, but we just need to keep moving forward.”
Mueller has been a key cog in the Kyabram dynasty, booting 224 goals across five seasons from 2017 to 2021.
He also began the 2022 campaign in fine style, booting 10 goals in seven quarters before going down with the ankle injury.
Newman said he was confident his side could cover for Mueller’s absence inside attacking 50.
“You can’t replace players like Kyle in your team, so we know it’s going to be a challenge, but that’s what footy puts in front of you,” he said.
“It will give some kids some opportunities to really step up, while we also have some class and experience that can cover in the form of Brad Mangan and guys like that.
“We’re confident we have options and are versatile up forward.”
Mueller is not the only big-name Bomber to be struck by injury, with fellow star Kayne Pettifer re-aggravating a hamstring concern in the win over Seymour last week.
32°C