Carlton will be without Jordan Boyd for their next game and are sweating on a fresh injury setback to defender Jack Silvagni following Friday's 16-point loss to Sydney, who came away with injury concerns of their own.
Boyd has entered concussion protocols for an incident involving Swans tall Joel Amartey in the final term, with the Blues defender requiring help to leave the field before undergoing concussion tests.
The young backman, who returned to Michael Voss' side for the Round 10 encounter, will miss at least the next 12 days as part of the AFL's protocols, ruling him out of next week's meeting with GWS.
Silvagni could be set for a period on the sidelines too after being subbed out of the match with a groin issue.
The in-form defender had also copped a high knock but has not entered concussion protocols, with Silvagni to undergo assessment on his latest ailment as early as this weekend.
"We lost 'SOS' there, who is an important player to us," Voss said post-game. "His groin will be assessed during the week.
"'Boydy' has got concussion protocols now from that hit, so he's not doing so well in there at the moment."
Sydney will be without forward Aaron Francis for next week's trip south to face Melbourne, with the ex-Essendon tall suffering a concussion after a collision in a marking contest with teammate Brodie Grundy.
Francis was ruled out of returning at half-time in what is a frustrating setback for a Swan finding some form.
"Aaron, to be subbed out concussed, wasn't ideal, he's played an important role for us," Cox said.
Francis' incoming absence likely opens the door for dropped key forward Hayden McLean, who was replaced in the side by Joel Amartey.
Cox confirmed he had looked to send a message to his senior players that expectations need to be met, with McLean's axig a result of a drop in form.
"Some of our players haven't been in really consistent form throughout games and week-to-week," Cox said of his call to drop McLean and use Ollie Florent as the sub.
"We wanted to make sure players were aware that if they don't perform at a level that's required and play their role for the team, that their position gets put in jeopardy.
"It's easier for me to go a young player and take them out of the team, but to take an established player out does send a message. We want out players to understand that even if there is injuries, we've got to fight like hell to for our spot in the football team.
"I spoke to them throughout the week and they were great with that, they'll work as hard as they can on their game, like we every player we want on our list to do."
Amartey is likely to join Francis in being unavailable for next week at least, with his hit on Boyd likely leading to a suspension.
Sydney face Melbourne at the MCG next Sunday while the Blues host GWS at Marvel Stadium the day prior.
