Could Geralt Be Absent in Witcher 4?

After stirring rumors earlier this year about Geralts invovlement in Witcher 4, his voice actor Doug Cockle walked back his comments after being "slapped by CD Projekt." Cockle had said earlier this year he expected Geralt to be in Witcher 4 but not as a main character, something he now says he has no idea about Geralts role, if any, in the next Witcher game. Do you think Geralt will make a return in Witcher 4 or is it time for a new Witcher?