Doc Larkins has backed Michael Barlow to return in Round 1 next year.

The Sun midfielder Barlow suffered a horrific broken leg in Saturday night’s loss to the Suns.

Oh no.

Michael Barlow is down with a sickening leg injury.

This is heart-breaking. #AFLSunsBlues

— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) June 17, 2017

But Doc told 3AW Football the injury isn’t as complicated as it could have been.

“For him to play Round 1 (2018) is very realistic,” Doc said.

Click PLAY in the player above for Doc’s full injury wrap

Doc gave an update on several other players, inlcuding:

• Dylan Grimes: He’ll need plenty of work on his ankle
• Nakia Cockatoo: Significant. It’s his second hamstring in a month
• Jarrad Waite: Should be right to go next week