Knee surgery will sideline Western Bulldogs veteran Tom Liberatore for two to four weeks regardless of his concussion outcome.
The club is taking the opportunity give the grumbly knee a clean up while Liberatore remains in concussion protocols.
Liberatore has been affected by swelling and fluid on the joint in recent weeks.
The gun midfielder has been in concussion protocols since suffering an accidental knock against Geelong two weeks ago.
He did not train on Thursday and remains sidelined under concussion protocols.
Sources inside the club are adamant the concussion is not at the stage where his career is under threat. They are bullish he will return after the knee surgery.
Liberatore has a history of head knocks, but had enjoyed a significant clear run before his luck run out against the Cats in a freak incident.
The much-loved Liberatore is on a one-year deal at the Dogs.
Liberatore also suffered a hamstring injury in the Round 2 win against Adelaide, but played on to help the Dogs to a memorable win.
The Dogs' injury crisis has lessened this week, with ruckman Tim English set to play against Fremantle on Friday night.
English has been missing since midway through the win against Essendon and the Dogs' form drop has mirrored his absence.
