GEELONG utility Jackson Thurlow has been released from hospital and will spend the Christmas break recuperating in his home state of Tasmania as he continues his recovery from a lacerated kidney.
Thurlow was discharged from hospital in Geelong on Friday morning and is set to travel home to spend the two-week break with his family in Launceston.
The Cats expect his recovery from the injury, which he sustained at training last Saturday, will take between six to eight weeks and his return date is still yet to be determined.
Thurlow copped an accidental elbow at training during a drill and after the extent of his injury became more apparent he was sent for scans.
He avoided surgery but remained in hospital for a little less than a week to rest under observation.
Thurlow has played 10 games in two seasons for the Cats after being selected with pick No.16 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The injury is a blow for Geelong, as the club viewed Thurlow – who played in the Cats' semi-final loss to North Melbourne – as a potential replacement for Allen Christensen or Travis Varcoe through the midfield or even up forward.
Thurlow had returned to training in top shape, having participated in the Noosa Triathlon in November and it was well known that he had had a solid month on the training track.
