Coach statement: Ryan Matterson and Blake Ferguson to miss Round 10

Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur has confirmed second rower Ryan Matterson and winger Blake Ferguson will miss tomorrow night's clash with the Sea Eagles due to injury.

Here's what he said.

“Ryan Matterson has a small fracture in his thumb which he played with throughout the second half of the game last week," Coach Brad Arthur said.

"He was keen to play but with a long season ahead I decided to take a cautious approach so we are confident he will be available for Round 11. 

“Blake had a strong game last week but he has had some fluid on his knee for the last 6 weeks which we wanted to address.

"Again, he was keen to continue playing for the team but with a short turnaround into next week, I wanted to give him some additional time to be ready for Thursday night’s game at Bankwest Stadium.

“Both George Jennings and Andrew Davey have been training really well and deserve their opportunity to contribute to the team tomorrow night.

"I am sure that they will follow the lead of other players this year who have come into to the team and honour the jersey and their teammates by playing their role," Arthur said.