Richmond face two major decisions this week - whether to send midfielder Dean Polo in for shoulder surgery and who best replaces the injured Matthew Richardson.

The Tigers' already wretched AFL season, which is still without a win after eight rounds, got worse on the injury front after the gallant loss to Adelaide on Friday night.

Polo had his right shoulder pop out in a tackle at AAMI Stadium, while Richardson suffered a hairline fracture to his left eye socket after he collided with the leg of teammate Andrew Krakouer.

Polo was able to return soon after and play the game out, which could mean he plays Essendon on Saturday night.

However the fact Polo also dislocated his shoulder in the pre-season indicates there could be a long-term problem.

He will be sent to a shoulder specialist early this week to determine whether the 20-year-old needs to undergo surgery, which would rule the onballer out for at least a month.

"Hopefully he can continue playing but he will meet with a specialist who will tell him if he can keep playing with it," said Richmond football manager Paul Armstrong.

The Tigers' other big decision this week rests with who to turn to replace Richardson, who required 13 stitches to close a cut above his eye but was lucky to escape more serious injury.

He will miss at least two games.

The Tigers must now decide who will replace the team's outstanding forward, and the options include ex-Geelong forward Kent Kingsley, youngster Cleve Hughes or the untried Jack Riewoldt.

Kingsley booted five goals in the VFL while Riewoldt and Hughes both kicked two and are longer-term options.

Richardson's absence will also deny Richmond a rucking option, as Troy Simmonds, Trent Knobel and Ray Hall are all yet to return from injury.

The Tigers at least received some good news from the weekend, as defender Luke McGuane was cleared of a shoulder injury while playing in the VFL, after the Bellerive Oval goalpost snapped and fell on him.

St Kilda are confident full-forward Fraser Gehrig suffered only soreness in his leg during Saturday night's loss to Hawthorn at the MCG, which should make him available for the vital clash against Fremantle on Friday night.

However the Saints' serious injury curse might have struck again, as onballer Leigh Montagna will undergo scans to determine whether he suffered a fractured jaw.

Carlton full-forward Brendan Fevola is likely to have a light training week because of a corked thigh, but is expected to play Adelaide on Saturday.

However Blues Jason Saddington (ankle) and Eddie Betts (hamstring) are doubtful.

Geelong should have captain Tom Harley available for selection after a finger tendon injury for Sunday's game against Port Adelaide, while tagger Max Rooke (groin) should also be available.

The Dockers should regain midfielder Paul Hasleby from back soreness.

Essendon will be without speedy forward Andrew Lovett for up to eight weeks after he suffered knee ligament damage at training last week.

Brisbane's Cheynee Stiller is in doubt to play Collingwood on Saturday night because of an ankle injury.

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