Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel is in hospital with an infection in his surgically repaired left knee.
Geelong’s general manager of football Steve Hocking said told the club’s website Bartel would be in hospital for the next two days.
Bartel underwent surgery on the knee following the Cats round three win over Gold Coast.
He had been on track to return in eight to 10 weeks, but the infection would see his return delayed by about two weeks, Hocking said.
“Jimmy experienced some soreness in his knee on Friday and the medical staff took quick action and identified the issue.
“Jimmy has had the knee washed out and he will spend a few days in hospital receiving antibiotics. “His return will be slightly delayed but we are pleased with how the injury itself is healing and if not for the infection Jimmy would have been on schedule to return.”
The setback add to the long list of injury woes faced by the Cats, with emerging star midfield Mitch Duncan sidelined for 10 weeks with a broken foot.
Josh Cowan is still recovering from the hamstring injury suffered in his return match.
Others on the long list include Nathan Vardy, Daniel Menzel, Billie Smedts, , Hamish McIntosh and Lincoln McCarthy.
