Geelong have been dealt a double injury blow with the club confirming two young Cats will be spending time on the sidelines.
Midfielder Sam Simpson, who hasn't played a match for the Cats in 2022, is continuing to be monitored for ongoing concussion symptoms after suffering multiple head knocks during his short career.
The 23-year-old suffered a concussion during a collision with teammate Sam Menegola in the 2020 grand final, simultaneously injuring his shoulder. In 2021, Simpson suffered another concussion during the qualifying final against Port Adelaide.
The young Cat made his way back into the lineup during Round 8 in 2021, before being sidelined until Round 22 dealing with a hamstring injury.
Geelong general manager football Simon Lloyd gave an update on Simpson, revealing that he was in consultation with concussion experts.
"Sam is involved with the football program, but not ready to play," Lloyd toldย AFL.com.au.ย
"He is making continual progress in his recovery, everything being done is all about a safe return."
The 23-year-old was picked up with Pick 57 in the 2016 Rookie Draft, playing 19 games since his 2017 debut after a luckless run with injury.
Meanwhile, Max Homes has undergone surgery for a left ankle syndesmosis injury suffered during Round 7's loss to Fremantle, with the midfielder expected to miss multiple weeks.
Geelong head of medical and conditioning services Harry Taylor didn't provide a clear timeline on Holmes' expected rehabilitation, but revealed the 19-year-old suffered a "short-to-medium term" injury.
"(Holmes) will have surgery on that which will rule him out for the short-to-medium term," Taylor said.
"Max has completed a large body of work and we expect him to begin his rehab program before resuming and having an influence in our AFL team.
"He's having surgery (on Monday) afternoon and will begin his rehabilitation program from there."
Geelong are scheduled to play GWS in Round 8 at Manuka Oval after a heartbreaking three-point loss to Fremantle in Round 7. The Cats are expected to regain star Patrick Dangerfield, while ruckman Rhys Stanley is also a chance to feature.
