Star Richmond recruit Chris Yarran (pictured) faces a difficult battle to maintain his fitness after minor surgery on a persistent foot injury last week.

25 year old Noongar Yarran has worked extremely hard since arriving at the Tigers slightly underdone following his departure from the Blues, and the latest setback will test his resolve.

Yarran is capable of being just the type of X factor the Tigers need at finals time  and defender Alex Rance says he’s confident the latest setback will only be a minor one for Yarran.