COLLINGWOOD speedster Travis Varcoe had surgery on his dislocated elbow on Thursday and is unlikely to play again this season. 

The Magpies decided an operation was necessary for the 29-year-old, after being hopeful earlier in the week he might only miss this Sunday's game against Adelaide.

Varcoe's injury occurred last Sunday at Etihad Stadium when he hit the ground heavily after spoiling West Coast's Jackson Nelson who was attempting to mark the ball.

The former Cat was concussed in the incident and dislocated the elbow, and Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said post-game that the early prognosis was that Varcoe's season was over. 

Hopes were raised that he may return before the end of the year after the elbow slotted back into place without much apparent ligament damage.

However, further consultation led to the decision that surgery was required.

It completes a wretched run for Varcoe who has managed just eight games in 2017 after being suspended and suffering a hamstring injury. 

His absence along with the injured Ben Sinclair has robbed the Magpies of run off half-back and his ball use has also been missed. 

The Magpies could also be without its skipper Scott Pendlebury for the rest of the season after he had two operations on his injured finger.

The injury will keep him out for at least four weeks, meaning Pendlebury may only be available for the final game of the season unless the Magpies make finals.

The Magpies brought in Matt Scharenberg and Tom Phillips for the round 19 clash with the Crows, replacing Varcoe and forward Jarryd Blair who has been dropped.