North Melbourne ruck Tristan Xerri will miss Sunday's clash with Essendon after undergoing jaw surgery following the win against Richmond.
He is also in doubt for the clash against Port Adelaide the following week.
Both games are must-wins for North Melbourne if they want to reach the wildcard round.
Young forward phenom Cooper Trembath has shown great aptitude, spending more time playing in the ruck this year.
Wil Dawson and Callum Coleman-Jones got 14 hitouts each in the VFL on the weekend and could come into selection consideration.
Xerri missed three games earlier in the season through suspension, with Jack Darling, another player who spent time in the ruck during that period.
North Melbourne currently sits 10th on the table with a 7-7 record and has won their last two games over West Coast and Richmond in unconvincing fashion.
Meanwhile, Jarman Impey will miss three to four weeks with his hamstring injury, and Jack Gunston is set to miss another week.
Errol Gulden will return for Sydney, while Brisbane will regain Ryan Lester. Hugh McCluggage remains a week away.
