Jeremy Cameron will undergo surgery on his left shoulder, but Geelong is refusing to rule him out for the season.
The Cats have decided to operate on his damaged AC joint, listing him for a return in four to six weeks.
Four weeks appears an optimistic outcome, but a six-week absence would mean Cameron would return for a tilt at the finals - if the stuttering Cats make it.
The Cats have lost five of their past six games and their assault the final stages of the season will be severely impacted by Cameron's injury.
He has already been battling soreness and numbness in his other arm, injured on Grand Final day last year.
Cameron is now expected to have post-season surgery on that arm.
Tanner Bruhn and Jack Henry also sufffered injuries in Saturday's loss to GWS, and like Cameron, were hospitalised overnight. They, though, are expected to not miss as much football and will be monitored this week.
The Cats forfeited a 39-point lead against GWS, although it can be understood given Geelong was ravaged on the injury front.
Cameron, who was playing well off half back in a major positional shift, suffered the injury in a collision.
Bruhn pulled up sore from a contest and likewise spent the night in the hospital with a neck issue.
Utility Henry copped a knock to the throat and also stayed the night in Sydney.
In the post-game press conference, Geelong coach Chris Scott said it was important to maintain perspective.
"You can catastrophise things, and I don't think we should," Scott said.
