Hospitalised Ferguson expected to be fine for trials

Blake Ferguson is expected to overcome a nasty cut to his foot and return to peak fitness in time for the Eels trial games against the Raiders and Panthers.

Despite being hospitalised by the mishap, Ferguson is expected to make a full recovery heading into the February trials and the 2019 Telstra Premiership.

The former Test and NSW Origin winger cut his foot on Christmas Day and when it didn't respond to initial treatment doctors took a closer look and found a large splinter inside the wound.

That was removed but the 28-year-old was still experiencing swelling and pain due to an infection.

He checked himself into St George Hospital a couple of days before New Year so the foot could again be checked to ensure there were no other remnants of the splinter left behind. 

A spokesman for the Parramatta Eels says Ferguson's foot is responding well to treatment and it's hoped he will be released from hospital "in the next day or so".

"He is still currently in hospital receiving treatment for an infection in his foot," a club spokesman said.

"Our medical team is monitoring the situation closely and at this stage we expect Blake to recover in time for the start of training."

The Eels players are due back on the training field on Monday as they prepare for two scheduled trial games: February 15 against the Canberra Raiders at St Marys League Stadium, and March 2 against Penrith at Panthers Stadium.

Ferguson is the Eels' biggest 2019 signing. He is joined by fellow recruits Junior Paulo (Raiders) and Shaun Lane (Manly).

In 2018 Ferguson was named the Dally M winger of the year after leading the NRL in metres gained (5039m).