Geelong star forward Steve Johnson will miss the early rounds of the AFL season after a minor knee operation.

But the Cats’ No.1 ruckman Trent West might return from a similar injury to play in Monday’s clash with fierce rivals Hawthorn.

Johnson was already set to miss the Hawks clash through suspension.

The Cats said the 29-year-old could have played on without Tuesday’s arthroscopic surgery, but they wanted to prevent the knee complaint affecting him later in the season.

“We think that by having the knee cleaned up, he will be fully fit when he starts to play, rather than the possibility that the knee will slowly deteriorate over time, forcing the surgery later in the year,” Geelong football manager Neil Balme told the club’s website.

While the Cats would not put a timeframe on Johnson’s return, he’s likely to miss no more than three or four games.

West, who had similar surgery earlier in the pre-season, has recovered well enough to be available to face the Hawks.

But the Cats are weighing up whether they want to select him without having played a pre-season game.

“He’s some chance but we haven’t made up our minds,” Balme said.

Geelong on Tuesday upgraded ruck options Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker from their rookie list.

Both are in selection contention, given West is the club’s only other recognised ruckman in the frame to face the Hawks.

Nathan Vardy (hip), Dawson Simpson (back) and Hamish McIntosh (knee) are all weeks from returning.