Phoenix Import Sidelined

Photo: South East Melbourne Phoenix Media

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have copped another injury blow, with import guard Trey Kell suffering a rib injury and sidelined for the start of the season.

Kell reported discomfort after a pre-season game against Tasmania last week. 

"Trey Kell has a crack in his rib," Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell told ESPN. 

“His return date is going to be roughly around the second or third week of the regular season.” 

Mitchell confirmed key man Ryan Broekhoff will also be sidelined for the opening rounds with a hamstring injury. 

"It's the second soft tissue of the pre-season (for Broekhoff), we just have to make sure we're 100 per cent across it when we get him back on the floor."

Mitch Creek also remained in Melbourne as the Phoenix travelled to Darwin for the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz, but the club has said it's confident he’ll be ready for the season-opener on October 1 against the JackJumpers.