GEELONG veteran Jimmy Bartel will miss at least two months after tearing the medial ligament in his left knee.

The 31-year-old will have surgery on Thursday to repair the injury.

Bartel hurt himself in the first quarter of the game against Gold Coast when Suns midfielder Michael Rischitelli slid low to win a contested ball and collected the champion Cat.

Bartel has had an unfortunate start to the season, missing round two after being concussed at the end of the season opener against Hawthorn. 

The Brownlow medallist was slated to play more often in the midfield in 2015 and his absence will be felt by the Cats. 

Geelong will also be without Mathew Stokes for Sunday's clash against North Melbourne after he injured his ankle and suffered a strained Achilles tendon, while defender Tom Lonergan will be monitored after suffering concussion against the Suns.