GEELONG midfielder Jimmy Bartel will spend the next two days in hospital after being diagnosed with an infection in his left knee.
 
The setback is likely to push the 31-year-old's return date back two weeks from the original 8-10 weeks estimated. Bartel had his knee operated on after injuring it against Gold Coast in round three.
 
Geelong football manager Steve Hocking told the club's website the infection was identified on Friday after Bartel complained of soreness in the knee.
 
"Jimmy has had the knee washed out and he will spend a few days in hospital receiving antibiotics," Hocking said.
 
"His return will be slightly delayed but we are pleased with how the injury itself is healing and if not for the infection Jimmy would have been on schedule to return."
 
The 2007 Brownlow medallist has had a rough start to the season being concussed in the last minute of round one before being injured in the first quarter of round three.