Versatile Sydney Swans big man Lewis Roberts-Thomson is expected to miss three AFL matches after suffering a fractured cheek bone against Fremantle last Saturday.
Roberts-Thomson, who notched his 150th senior appearance on the weekend, had the injury confirmed by a scan.
“Lewis will have surgery on Tuesday after sustaining some accidental contact to the right side of his face during Saturday’s match,” Swans physiotherapist Matt Cameron said.
“He will have a plate inserted to help stabilise the fracture and we expect him to miss three matches.”
Sydney-raised Roberts-Thomson, who can play up forward, down back, or in the ruck, managed to keep playing after suffering the injury.
He has kicked two goals in two matches this season.