Breakers centre Rob Loe is expecting to miss approximately four weeks of action, as a result of his fractured skull.
The Tall Black copped a nasty elbow early in the Breakers' win over the Illawarra Hawks last week.
While it was obviously disappointing news, it was music to the ears of Loe who feared he would be out for longer.
"Hopefully it's four weeks and under" Loe told Newshub.
"We'll see in the next few weeks how it settles down but it's looking pretty positive right now."
Loe has been battling constant pain and headaches since suffering the injury as well as concussion symptoms, which the club are monitoring.
At the moment the Breakers forward can only do light cardio to help him maintain his fitness levels and won't know if he can take the court until after his appointment with the face surgeon next week.
One thing is for certain - he will don a new protective mask when he returns to action.
"I was talking to the doc this morning about that I've got to get my face fitted for a mask that hopefully works and hopefully protects me a little more." Loe said with a smile.
"I don't know if you remember Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of his kind of style."
"It looked pretty good on him so I think i can pull it off."
While it's a huge blow for him personally, Loe's trying to take some positives out of the situation. He said the injury has given him a chance to learn a lot about himself and get a taste of what the hospital system is like in this country, something he has never experienced before.
On the court, he's confident his team can make do without him.
"We've got such a great team and great group of guys its just next man up mentality." Loe said.
"Tom [Vodanovich] should be back this week and hopefully Finn [Delaney] comes back soon as well so hopefyully won't be too long before we're all back."
The Breakers play the Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena on Thursday.
Newshub.
