COLLINGWOOD has suffered another injury blow, with captain Nick Maxwell to miss up to two months with a fractured wrist.
Maxwell suffered the injury during Sunday's 17-point win over Carlton at the MCG, a Magpies statement said.
The defender consulted a surgeon on Wednesday who detected a crack that will require surgery, sidelining him for six to eight weeks.
Magpies football director Geoff Walsh said the extent of the damage was not initially apparent.
"His wrist was sore and the pain wasn't easing," Walsh said.
"He's got a crack that requires surgery that, at this stage, is likely to keep him out for six weeks and possibly a little longer.
"I'm sure that Nick, being the professional he is, will do everything he possibly can to be back as early as possible."
Collingwood's start to the season has been plagued by injuries to key players, with Luke Ball yet to return from a knee reconstruction, Dayne Beams injuring his quad on the eve of round one, and Darren Jolly receiving a blow to the ribs during the clash with Carlton.
Recruit Clinton Young is yet to appear and injured his hamstring in the VFL on the weekend.
Despite that, Nathan Buckley's team has still won its first two games.
It faces Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
