Speedy Geelong midfielder Travis Varcoe had surgery on his troublesome shoulder today.
Cats coach Chris Scott rued the shoulder injury that cut down Varcoe in the first quarter against Carlton last Saturday.
“It’s really unfortunate but the prognosis is as expected. He will miss three months but the fortunate part of that is he’s back running after five to six weeks.
“So he’s going to be in pretty good condition when he is available to be involved in contact training and matches but we’d love to have him in the meantime.
“That means another opportunity goes to one of our younger players this week. George Horlin-Smith has played exceptionally well in the VFL and has been pushing hard all year.
“Mitch Brown continues to press his case and Jared Rivers could be available.”
Scott said forward Daniel Menzel pulled up well after his first game in 18 months after three knee reconstructions.
“Menz will play a little more this week,” he said.
Defender Josh Hunt also returned via the VFL after a bout of glandular fever and resulting shoulder nerve dmamage.
“We’d love to have Josh fit and back in the AFL team but that’s a few weeks off. He’s a bit behind in his conditioning.”
