Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel has been diagnosed with an infection in his left knee and will be in hospital for the next two days.

Bartel underwent surgery on the knee following the Cats round three win over Gold Coast. Initially he was expected to return in 8-10 weeks, however the infection will see his return delayed by approximately two weeks.

“Jimmy experienced some soreness in his knee on Friday and the medical staff took quick action and identified the issue,” Geelong’s general manager of football Steve Hocking said.

“Jimmy has had the knee washed out and he will spend a few days in hospital receiving antibiotics. His return will be slightly delayed but we are pleased with how the injury itself is healing and if not for the infection Jimmy would have been on schedule to return.”

Bartel started the season in fine fashion, picking up 28 possessions in the opening round against Hawthorn. He missed the next week before returning against Gold Coast. He suffered the injury to his knee in the opening quarter against the Suns.