GEELONG youngster Jackson Thurlow will remain in hospital over the weekend as his recovery from a lacerated kidney continues.
Thurlow copped an accidental elbow at training on Saturday and was sent for scans after the extent of his injury became more apparent.
He avoided surgery but has remained in hospital to rest under observation.
The 20-year-old's exact return date is still unknown, although he will not return to training with his teammates immediately after the Christmas break.
Geelong believes Thurlow will need between six to eight weeks of light training before he is declared fit enough to join in full contact based drills.
Thurlow has played 10 games in two seasons for the Cats after being selected with pick No.16 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The injury is a blow for Geelong, as the club viewed Thurlow – who played in the Cats' semi-final loss to North Melbourne – as a potential replacement for Allen Christensen or Travis Varcoe through the midfield or even up forward.
Thurlow had returned to training in top shape, having participated in the Noosa Triathlon in November and it was well know that he had had a solid month on the training track.
