A fractured cheekbone is likely to sideline young North Melbourne forward Ben Warren for at least the next two AFL games.

Warren came off a clear second-best when tackling St Kilda's Raph Clarke at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, when his face made heavy contact with the Saint's shoulder.

He underwent surgery on Sunday and Kangaroos football chief Donald McDonald said the injury was more serious than first thought, which would keep him out of games either side of the weekend off.

"That's disappointing for Benny but that's the way it goes," McDonald told the AFL website.

"He's had the surgery and that went all right, but the doctors were hopeful the injury wasn't as bad as that and they had to do a little more work than they thought they would."

The Kangaroos, however, are confident they will have most of the players injured against the Saints available to play Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday, including veteran Adam Simpson, who is lining up for his 300th game.

Simpson (calf), defender Daniel Pratt (calf), midfielder Daniel Wells (hip), young gun Jack Ziebell (illness) and Sam Power (concussion) are all expected to be available.

But youngster Sam Wright could miss out because of a knee injury.

One of the Kangaroos' younger players also suffered a blow on the weekend, as forward Robbie Tarrant injured a shoulder in the VFL and will be out of action for three months.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP