While the injury is significant enough, Thurlow has avoided surgery and the club remains hopeful it will not cause a significant interruption to his pre-season.
The club is hopeful he will be discharged before the end of the week but he will not be returning to training until players come back from their Christmas break.
Thurlow has played 10 games with Geelong since the club selected him at No.16 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
He has progressed well and played the final five games of 2014 including the Cats' two finals.
Thankyou for all the well wishes I have received the last few days. Hoping for a speedy recovery. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas #Mighty