Geelong have confirmed defender Tom Stewart is facing a spell on the sidelines and could miss the next month of action after suffering a grade two medial cruciate ligament injury against Collingwood on Friday night.
Stewart was subbed out of the game after landing and twisting his leg early into the match, with midfielder Brandan Parfitt taking his place.
The injury blow will be significant to Chris Scott's side for the rounds ahead, with Geelong fixtured to face Carlton, Gold Coast, Hawthorn and West Coast in the coming month.
"While disappointing Tom sustained an injury in last Friday night's game, following scans it was pleasing news the injury is not severe enough to keep sidelined long term. We expect Tom to return to the line-up in the short term," Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd said in a club statement.
The news is better for young defender Sam De Koning, who is expected to feature against the Blues this week.
With a direct opponent likely being either Charlie Curnow or Harry McKay on Thursday night, De Koning will be a key piece in Geelong's chances of claiming their first win of the season.
“Sam was able to return to the field after being treated by our staff during the game, he has been assessed by our medical team and we expect him to train and be available for selection this week,” Lloyd said.
Scott will again rely on forward-turned-backman Esava Ratugolea in defence, with the Cats swingman impressing in against Collingwood as a key-position stopper.
Geelong and Carlton will clash at the MCG on Thursday night at 7:20pm (AEDT).
