Allen Christensen to miss the first half of the year after having back surgery
GEELONG midfielder Allen Christensen could miss up to half the season after having back surgery.
The 22-year-old had the operation on Friday after suffering recent back and leg pain associated with a lumbar disc injury.
The Cats revealed late on Friday that Christensen won't be able to resume training for around 12 weeks, and from there he'll have to work to regain match fitness.
"Obviously this is a blow to Allen and our team in the short term, but the surgery should ensure the issue is resolved and he will be able to move and play more freely," Geelong football manager Neil Balme told geelongcats.com.au.
"We have experience with this type of surgery, with Dawson Simpson having the same operation two years ago.
"Allen is a key player but we have confidence that we have depth and this will provide an opportunity for someone to step up.”
Christensen's absence follows recent surgery to Cats skipper Joel Selwood, forward Steven Motlop and emerging talent George Burbury.