Sydney young gun Angus Sheldrick will miss up to a month of action after fracturing his finger last weekend.
The ailment was sustained during a VFL practice match for the Swans' reserves, with the former first-round pick unavailable for his side's Opening Rund win over Melbourne.
Sydney confirmed on Tuesday that Sheldrick won't require surgery on his finger, however the midfielder will require up to four weeks in recovery.
The setback comes as senior trio Luke Parker (arm), Callum Mills (shoulder) and Taylor Adams (knee) remain in the club's casualty ward.
Their absence, coupled with Sheldrick's fresh setback, significantly hampers John Longmire's midfield stocks for the coming rounds of the season.
Parker isn't expected to return for another three weeks, while Adams could be available in the next fortnight.
The Swans' engine room was able to get the job done last Thursday with forwards Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley featuring in the middle - the former putting up a best-afield performance in the win.
Midfielders Chad Warner and James Rowbottom were also strong as new ruckman Brodie Grundy shined in his club debut.
Sheldrick featured in nine games under Longmire last year, averaging 15.29 disposals and 3.43 tackles per match despite spending two games as the sub.
Sydney makes the trip to Victoria for a Round 1 clash with reigning premiers Collingwood, who will unveil their 2023 flag ahead of Friday's 7:40pm (AEDT) bounce.
