Collingwood midfielder James Aish could return to the Magpies' line-up in time for their clash with Melbourne on Queen's Birthday weekend in round 12 after undergoing successful surgery on his cheekbone.
Aish was involved in a head clash with Hawthorn youngster Daniel Howe in the third quarter, and was sent for scans immediately which showed the fracture in his cheekbone.
โUnfortunately James cracked a cheekbone in what was a really courageous act to win the ball,โ Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh told the club's website.
"He came off second best, in terms of the injury, and he has had some surgery to pop that cheekbone out, which means he will miss two weeks.
โHe hasnโt had to have a plate put in it. It was a pretty straightforward procedure, which is good, but he will more than likely miss two matches.โ
While Aish is looking likely to return before Collingwood's round 13 bye, the Pies will be hopeful Ben Reid and Travis Varcoe will return straight after the week off as they continue to battle with respective quad and hamstring complaints.
