Geelong coach Chris Scott is "really confident" Jeremy Cameron's latest hamstring issue is not serious but the Cats will tread carefully with a return for the star forward.
Cameron is facing another prolonged stint on the sidelines after injuring his right hamstring for the third time since arriving from GWS during the off-season.
The 27-year-old was cleared to play against Essendon last Friday night, despite experiencing hamstring tightness before the match.
He kicked three goals during a powerful second quarter but was subbed out of the game before halftime.
Scott said there was some "bad luck" involved with Cameron's fresh injury and the Cats will have to now be more cautious with their prized recruit.
The club remains unsure when Cameron will return but it is unlikely to be in the next month.
"We're optimistic that it's not a serious issue, but it is his third issue in a hamstring," Scott told reporters.
"That in itself, before you delve down into the detail, is a concern that demands a cautious and thorough evaluation.
"I'm really confident that it's not a very long-term issue but I wouldn't be surprised even if he makes a really quick recovery that we err on the side of caution because there's still seven games to come and hopefully a decent finals series."
Just as he did post-game, Scott defended the club's medical team in allowing Cameron to take to the field against the Bombers.
"We're very confident in our medical staff and it's a gross over-simplification to say he was tight pre-game and he shouldn't have played," Scott said.
Versatile tall Esava Ratugolea will almost certainly return after being listed out as managed last week.
"We're in the fortunate position where we do have some options that we like," Scott said.
"The team we pick each week is not necessarily going to be the team that we think is going to be the best at the end of the year."
