COLLINGWOOD won't know until Wednesday whether forward Sean Rusling requires another shoulder reconstruction that would ruin a third successive AFL season.

Rusling injured his left shoulder during Saturday's round-one win over Fremantle at the MCG, which prompted fears he would need another bout of surgery to mend the joint.

Scans confirmed Rusling would require some sort of surgery after his latest blow, but the Magpies are unsure how bad the injury is or what sort of operation he requires.

Rusling, 21, suffered serious injuries to his left shoulder in 2006 and 2007, limiting the South Australian to a combined ten games over those two years.

Collingwood football operations chief Geoff Walsh said Rusling would on Wednesday visit a specialist, and the club would be closer to knowing approximately how long Rusling will be out.

Rusling has impressed in his 17 games (19 goals) for the Magpies as a speedy forward on the lead with sure hands and has provided a good foil for Travis Cloke and Anthony Rocca.