The 27-year-old, who was subbed out of Sunday’s win over the Gold Coast Suns at three-quarter time, will undergo arthroscopic surgery today to repair cartilage.
Swans coach John Longmire confirmed that the forward’s injury was minor and said he we hopeful the key tall would be back on field in time for the Swans’ round 15 clash with GWS.
“He’s got a little bit of cartilage that requires a minor operation,” Longmire told sydneyswans.com.au.
“He’s having an arthroscope today in which case they’ll trim a little bit of cartilage that’s just been catching.
“It’s a minor operation and he will miss two games and will likely be back in three weeks’ time.”
With Tippett set to go undergo surgery today, Longmire said the forward’s rehabilitation program could begin as soon as Wednesday.
“I think he’ll start running next week, so he’ll start running pretty quickly,” he said.
“I think he’ll start leg weights if not tomorrow, then the day after, so he’ll be into it pretty quickly.
“Our doctor is confident that he’ll be going pretty quickly, so once he gets today over and done with he’ll be getting better each day.
“He’ll be pushed along pretty quickly because that’s what our doctor has suggested is the best way to go.
“We’re confident that he’ll be fine in a couple of weeks.”
With Tippett unavailable for Saturday’s match, ruckman Mike Pyke could be in the mix to replace the key tall for Saturday’s match against the Power.
Longmire said Pyke, who played his first match in four weeks for the Swans reserves on Sunday, would be considered to make his senior return.
“That’s what the really obvious (change) is, but it’s like any week and we’ll sit down and have a look at the team and the balance of the team,” he said.
“We look at the strengths and weaknesses of our team, but also Port Adelaide, and we’ll make a decision later in the week in regards to how we go with the structure.
“Pykey was good, he played 95 minutes on the weekend and got through pretty well, so that’s a good sign for him.
“We’ve got that option later in the week if we want to go in with Pykey in a straight swap for Tippett.
“That’s what we’re able to do I guess, and that certainly will be strongly considered.”
