Greater Western Sydney defender Joel Patfull will be sidelined for at least a month with two broken ribs and a punctured lung, while co-captain Phil Davis' immediate future is heavily in doubt.
Patfull was taken to hospital on Sunday after teammate Matt Buntine's knee caught him in the ribs during a marking contest in the Giants' 42-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.
The 30-year-old stayed overnight, and has since been cleared of any shoulder damage.
"He was clearly in a lot of pain after the incident but is now comfortable and recovering," head of athletic performance David Joyce said on Monday.
Patfull's prolonged absence only compounds the Giants' injury situation as they prepare to host North Melbourne on Saturday, with a number of key players facing uncertain futures.
Scans are expected to confirm Davis has sustained an ankle syndesmosis injury, which forced him off the field for good late in the second term.
Star ruckman Shane Mumford (ankle) and midfielder Stephen Coniglio (AC joint) both sat out most of the final term, with the extent of their injuries to be confirmed in the next day.
Coach Leon Cameron warned his team on Sunday that the quartet of injuries were no excuse for poor form next week.
"We have to grind it out and get ready to go in six days' time," he said.
"It's not an excuse for our injuries today for us not to be prepared to play the Kangaroos next Saturday."
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