Hodgson was injured playing against Melbourne Rebels in a Super Rugby fixture

Tough Emirates Western Force loose forward Matt Hodgson has escaped the need for surgery after injuring his left shoulder in the club’s match against the Rebels on Saturday night but will still be sidelined for at least a month.

While scans revealed some damage to his AC joint, he will undergo rehabilitation under the watchful eye of the club’s medical team without surgical intervention.

“Obviously it is disappointing to lose a player of Matt’s quality for any period of time however this is probably one of the better case scenarios we could have hoped for after seeing the injury unfold on the weekend,” Coach Richard Graham said.

“He will have an opportunity to return to Super Rugby around the week of the Crusaders match.  Matt is the ultimate professional in the way he goes about preparing for games and I have no doubt that he’ll give the same dedication to getting back onto the field as soon as possible.”

Hodgson is the second of the club’s Wallaby capped backrowers to be ruled out through injury this season, joining David Pocock on the sidelines, however Graham said the club maintained depth in that area of the ground and another player will be given their chance from this weekend.

Openside flanker Jono Jenkins was one of the standout players in the Emirates Western Force ‘A’ game against the Rebel Rising last Saturday while Tevita Metuisela has made an impact from the bench in four Super Rugby appearances this season.