Star Collingwood midfielder Dale Thomas could be out of action for the rest of the AFL season, compounding the Magpies’ injury troubles.

Thomas, who was suffering from an ankle injury, underwent surgery on Tuesday on the advice of medical staff.

The operation means he could be missing for up to 16 weeks and might not be available if Collingwood make the finals.

Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh said he was hopeful that Thomas could return by round 20.

Thomas was hurt after suffering a kick to the ankle during the round three match against Hawthorn.

Fellow midfielder Dayne Beams is also on the sidelines due to a quad injury and not set to return until after the round 13 bye.

Walsh said scans showed Beams was not close enough to move up in training and bid for his first game this season.

“There was a danger of setting him back to square one so we have taken a real conservative approach there, pulled him back for an extra couple of weeks,” Walsh said.

“Let’s see how things are after the bye.

“For Dayne to have not played a game to date – best and fairest winner, had a great break out year last year – it’s super-frustrating.”