Collingwood recruit Dan Houston will reportedly be sidelined for the coming weeks following an abdominal strain sustained in last Friday's narrow loss to Gold Coast.
The injury will force Houston to the sidelines for the next fortnight at least, according to 9 News' Tom Morris, meaning Houston will miss matches against Fremantle and Richmond.
The setback adds to Houston already missing three games this year due to injury, with the rebounding defender having played every game at his new club since Round 7.
With coach Craig McRae forced into replacing Houston, the change could mean gun Josh Daicos is required to remain in the backline despite having a starring last term against the Suns through the middle of the field.
Daicos' move to the midfield saw Houston shine as the leading contributor from the back half as the Magpies cut a 28-point three-quarter time margin down to a single kick in the fourth quarter.
Houston's injury follows veteran defender Jeremy Howe suffering a groin injury in Round 18 that has clouded his return date, with the high-flying Magpie's injury timeframe listed as 'TBC'.
The Magpies could have Beau McCreery (hamstring) and Billy Frampton (calf) back from injury to take on the Dockers this week.
Collingwood will name an extended squad for Round 19 on Thursday at 6:20 pm (AEST), with the side to be reduced to 23 players on Sunday.
Final teams will be locked in an hour prior to Sunday's 3:20 pm bounce.
