Geelong have confirmed Sam De Koning will be sidelined for the "short term" after undergoing surgery on Wednesday.
De Koning went under the knife to repair a nasal and maxillary bone fracture that was suffered during Round 7's win over Essendon, now set to be on the sidelines for several weeks.
The young gun has played six games for the Cats in 2023, averaging 10.7 disposals per match, only missing Round 4 through concussion.
"We are feeling for Sam, he has been an important part of our team for the last 18 months, not just in defence but more recently showing his versatility by playing in the ruck," Cats football manager Simon Lloyd said.
โAfter presenting to the Club's medical staff with some symptoms, Sam was sent for a CT scan where a fracture was confirmed. Following consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon Sam underwent surgery on Wednesday afternoon.โ
De Koning joins Jack Bowes, Cam Guthrie, Toby Conway, Jack Henry and Sam Menegola listed as TBC on the Cats' injury list. While Zach Tuohy is a chance to play in Round 8 after missing last week with back spasms.
