GEELONG is satisfied emerging youngster Nakia Cockatoo did not do any further damage to his right knee when he returned to play after being injured against West Coast.

The 19-year-old had surgery last week to pin down his lateral ligament after suffering the injury against the Eagles.

Although he finished the game and kicked a goal in the last quarter, Cats' coach Chris Scott said it was a very difficult injury to diagnose and the club was comfortable with the action taken.

"We're absolutely satisfied that going back on to the ground didn't contribute to any further damage," Scott said.

He also said the decision to operate on Cockatoo was just one of the options available to the Cats but they decided to take the cautious path although it meant up to eight weeks on the sidelines.

Scott said without surgical intervention Cockatoo may have returned more quickly but because of the player's age the best option was surgery.

"With a young player we thought it was really important to take the surgical option and that was absolutely right," Scott said.

"It is what it is. It's disappointing. He was shaping as a really important player for us. We're just going to have to wait for a couple of months before we get him back but we're sure we will."

Meanwhile, the coach had better news for those awaiting the return of recruits Scott Selwood and Mitch Clark.

Scott said the duo should be playing footy within the month and when asked specifically about Selwood the coach said the former Eagle was progressing well.

"He's certainly doing some stuff indoors on the harder surfaces with his ankle," Scott said.

"We've been consistent with our long term approach with Scott (Selwood) and we just want to make sure when he does get back that he stays back for the next seven or eight years."

The Cats have successfully managed the return this season of Daniel Menzel, Lincoln McCarthy, Nathan Vardy and Josh Cowan after the four endured significant injury hiccups in recent seasons.