Geelong midfielder Sam Menegola is set to undergo knee surgery that will put him on the sidelines for up to a month, according to Cats coach Chris Scott.
The 27-year-old was a late out for the Mother's Day clash against North Melbourne and Scott suggested that it is "unlikely" he will play again before the bye in round 13.
"Sam Menegola is going to need surgery," Scott told reporters on Thursday.
"We are hoping it can turn around in a couple of weeks.
“He has a cartilage issue that can go from feeling fine one minute to not so good the next. It can only be fixed by surgical means.”
Menegola had averaged 20 touches and two clearances a game in his seven outings this season with his performance against the Bombers being the most impressive thus far.
Lachie Henderson was also confirmed to miss two to three weeks with a ruptured plantar fascia by Scott.
Goalsneak Gary Rohan also looks in doubt to face the Bulldogs this week after suffering a concussion and will be monitored closely, as will forward Tom Atkins who suffered from some minor hip soreness.
Skipper Joel Selwood and defender Tom Stewart have put their hands up for selection after overcoming a lower leg and a neck injury, respectively.
Lachie Fogarty (hip) and Jed Bews (groin) got through their VFL returns unscathed and will look to increase their time on the field against the Pies at GMHBA on Sunday, according to the club's website.
