GEELONG midfielder George Horlin-Smith is set to miss up two months after injuring the medial ligament in his knee at training during the week.
Horlin-Smith, who has struggled to cement his place in the senior line-up despite consistent performances at VFL level, does not require surgery to repair the ligament.
However, the 23-year-old is expected to be sidelined for between six to eight weeks.
"Unfortunately for George he injured his knee at training earlier this week, it was a simple slip in the middle of a training drill," Cats football manager Steve Hocking said.
"We were awaiting scan results yesterday, now we know the extent of the injury, George will begin a rehab program once the pain in his knee has subsided.
"It's unlucky for George, but his resilience and professionalism will help him through the next few months and he will get his body back to where it needs to be."
Horlin-Smith managed to break into the team for Geelong's round nine clash against Collingwood but was dropped the following week ahead of the duel with Carlton.
The inside ball winner has played 40 matches for Geelong, but just eight games in the past two seasons, in six years on the Cats' list.
He has averaged 15 disposals and almost three clearances across his career.
Horlin-Smith, drafted with pick No. 37 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, re-signed with the club in May last year until the end of 2018.