STAR West Coast forward Josh Kennedy will miss Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium with a fractured cheekbone.

Scans confirmed the fracture on Tuesday, with Kennedy to require surgery that will see him miss Saturday’s game.

Kennedy suffered the injury in the dying stages of Sunday night’s loss to North Melbourne.

It is a blow for the Eagles who have struggled to kick goals this season, which culminated in a return of just six goals against the Roos on Sunday night.

An explosive forward on the lead, Kennedy is also capable of taking big contested marks inside 50, his omission will significantly restrict their ability to kick goals.

Kennedy famously booted 11 goals against GWS in Round 8 and has been held goalless just once this season, in last week’s loss to North Melbourne.

He has kicked 25 goals this season, averaging 2.5 per game.

The forward is also averaging 10.4 disposals, 5.4 marks and 3.3 tackles.

It means Jack Darling will become their go-to man inside 50, alongside resting ruckmen Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui and small marking forward Mark LeCras.

The Eagles are also sweating on the fitness of former Hawk Xavier Ellis with a corked hamstring and rebounding half back, Brad Sheppard with a corked buttock.

Sheppard has impressed in his fourth season, averaging 17.8 disposals and 1.6 tackles, while Ellis has been an important contributor in the midfield.

One of Ellis’ best games came two weeks ago, in his team’s loss to Collingwood where he gathered 24 disposals.