COLLINGWOOD has confirmed midfielder James Aish suffered a fractured cheekbone in Saturday night's morale-boosting 18-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG.
The 21-year-old came off second best in a head clash with Hawthorn youngster Daniel Howe midway through the third quarter and went to hospital soon after for scans.
Both players showed tremendous courage and had eyes only for the ball as the collided on the wing.
A Collingwood spokesperson told AFL.com.au on Sunday morning that a timeframe for Aish's recovery, and the course of action to repair the injury, remained unclear.
However, fellow Magpies midfielder Adam Treloar said Aish could miss up to a month.
"He went back to the VFL earlier in the year and found some really good form," Treloar told Fox Footy on Sunday.
"He's extremely courageous and it shows with that act that he did there.
"We wish him the best and I think he's going to be back in hopefully three or four weeks' time."
Aish has played three games for the Magpies this season and spent four straight weeks at VFL level.
The clash with the Hawks marked Aish's 50-game milestone.
