Richmond midfielder Shane Edwards had surgery last night to repair a depressed cheekbone fracture suffered during Sunday’s match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Edwards clashed heads with Bulldog opponent Matthew Boyd in the opening minutes of the match, resulting in him leaving the field and being taken to Epworth Hospital.

He will be released from hospital today and will miss this Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G match against Essendon.

Edwards’ time on the sidelines will be dictated by the speed of his recovery in the coming days.