After playing five matches in the reserves following a serious ankle injury, Uthayakumar has been struck down by complications.

The key forward was injured during a controversial Ovens and Murray promo shoot at Lavington Sportsground in March.

“He was keen to play but hasn’t quite come up,” coach Shaun Daly said.

“There is still a bit of soreness.”

The former Victorian Amateurs’ player kicked 47 goals for Albury in his debut season last year and shaped as a wildcard during the Tigers finals campaign.

They take on Wodonga Raiders in the second semi-final at Bunton Park on Saturday.

Premiership duo Luke Packer and Brayden O’Hara will undergo fitness tests later this week.