Geelong have confirmed that All-Australian pair Tom Hawkins and Mark Blicavs have both sustained hamstring injuries, with the latter suffering a high-grade strain.
Both Cats veterans were unable to finish last Saturday's loss to Fremantle due to the setbacks, with the double blow set to play a significant part in their finals hopes.
The club revealed on Monday evening that Blicavs has suffered a high-grade strain, however no return-to-play timeline was given. A significant hamstring injury can keep players in recovery for close to eight weeks.
In lighter news, Hawkins could be back training in some capacity as early as this week after suffering a strain on the minor end.
The injury will still keep the Coleman Medal winner sidelined for at least this week and likely next at the very least in what is a crucial period for the reigning premiers.
Geelong could have midfielder Cam Guthrie (toe) and defender Jed Bews (knee) available for selection in the coming weeks.
Geelong - who currently sit ninth on the ladder - face four top eight sides to conclude their 2023 home and away campaign, a run that will commence on Saturday night at Kardinia Park against Port Adelaide.
The Cats will then face Collingwood, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs in the final three weeks and will likely need three wins from their final month to secure a place in September.
This weekend's clash with Port Adelaide will commence at 7:25pm (AEST) at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
