North Melbourne's horror season has continued with news skipper Jack Ziebell will miss up to five weeks with a facial fracture.
Ziebell suffered the injury in the final quarter of last week's 49-point loss to GWS.
The 31-year-old will undergo surgery on Wednesday.
"Jack was simply unlucky late in the game on Sunday," North Melbourne's general manager of performance Dan McPherson said.
"We thoroughly considered all options and decided surgery was the best way forward for Jack, as it will mean a shorter timeline for his recovery.
"We are hopeful to see him back at AFL level in 4-5 weeks."
Ziebell's injury capped off a horror few days for the Kangaroos, who also lost young gun Jason Horne-Francis and Lachie Young to suspension.
Horne-Francis was banned for two games for striking, while Young will miss one match after being found guilty of rough conduct.
North Melbourne sit at the bottom of the ladder with a 1-12 record and pressure is building on coach David Noble.
The Kangaroos have a bye this week before hosting Adelaide at Blundstone Arena on June 26.
