Knee reconstruction for Collingwood youngster Matt Scharenberg

Highly rated Collingwood youngster Matt Scharenberg faces 2016 on the sidelines.

The defender injured his right knee during training on Monday.

The Magpies have confirmed the 20-year-old needs a full knee reconstruction.

Scharenberg has a history of knee problems. He required a reconstruction on his left knee in late 2014.

He recently signed a three-year contract after playing four matches in 2015.

FULL COLLINGWOOD STATEMENT

Highly promising Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg is to undergo a knee reconstruction after injuring himself at training on Monday morning.

Scans have confirmed the need for a full reconstruction of the 20 year-old’s right knee.

Scharenberg, who required a reconstruction of his left knee late in the 2014 season, was injured innocuously. He is expected to have surgery next week.

‘This is obviously disappointing for everyone but foremost for Matthew,’ Collingwood Director of Football, Neil Balme said.

‘That said, he is only 20 years of age, he has his career before him and he is made of the right stuff. He has the mental strength and dedication to overcome a difficulty like this.

‘We will look after him with all the care we can offer, to make the period before his return as smooth as possible.’

Scharenberg worked his way into the senior Collingwood side towards the end of the 2015 season, to play four matches, and after signing a three year contract extension in September appeared set to demonstrate why he was selected by the Magpies with pick six in the 2013 National Draft.