Christensen has recently experienced back and leg pain associated with a lumbar disc injury. As a result he underwent surgery to correct the issue and will be able to resume in around about 12 weeks.
“Obviously this is a blow to Allen and our team in the short term, but the surgery should ensure the issue is resolved and he will be able to move and play more freely,” Geelong’s general manager of football Neil Balme said.
“We have experience with this type of surgery, with Dawson Simpson having the same operation two years ago. Allen is a key player but we have confidence that we have depth and this will provide an opportunity for someone to step up.”
Christensen has played 57 games since debuting in 2011, and has played in all of the Cats seven finals in that period. He booted 23 goals in 2013 and finished eighth in the Cats best & fairest voting.
Fellow Cats Joel Selwood, Steven Motlop and George Burbury have also recently undergone surgery. Selwood could play in the Cats next NAB challenge game in Alice Springs while Motlop will be touch and go to start the season proper. Burbury is recuperating from a fractured jaw in the win over Collingwood this week.
