Star Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel will miss at least two months of AFL action after scans showed a tear in his medial ligament.
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According to the Cats, Bartel will require surgery on Thursday to repair the injury.
The 31-year-old was was injured during the first quarter of Geelong’s nine-point win over the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday.
Bartel’s knee collided with the head of Suns veteran Michael Rischitelli, leaving the Brownlow medallist on the ground writhing in pain.
He will be operated on by well-renowned knee specialist Julian Feller on Thursday.
Bartel isn’t the only injury worry at the Cats, with the club due to provide an update on Mathew Stokes (achilles) and Tom Longeran (concussion) on Wednesday.
The loss of Bartel will come as a huge blow for Chris Scott’s side who have endured a below-par start to the season.
The experienced midfielder has played 274 games for the Cats since making his debut in 2002.
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