Greater Western Sydney midfielder Ryan Griffen is in danger of missing the rest of the AFL season after re-injuring his ankle.
Griffen was close to returning to action after being sidelined with a syndesmosis injury suffered in early April in round three.
However, he will be out for a further three months after re-injuring the ankle last Saturday and requiring surgery.
That would rule him out until the start of finals in early September.
While the ladder-leading Giants look certain to play in the finals, Griffen will battle to get match fitness in time to push for a senior spot during the most-intense part of the season.
"Ryan was progressing really well from his initial ankle injury and a few weeks from returning to the field," said Giants' head of athletic performance David Joyce.
"Unfortunately, during a drill at training, he's re-injured the ligaments at the top of his ankle.
"It's a more-severe injury this time around and required surgery, which he underwent on Monday.
"While it's no doubt frustrating for both Ryan and the club, we look forward to him continuing his rehab in the professional manner he has so far this season."
The 30-year-old former Western Bulldogs captain and two-time best and fairest has had mixed fortunes since joining GWS in late 2014 in a trade for Tom Boyd.
He struggled to find his best form in 2015 despite missing just one match and played better last year, although back and hamstring injuries kept him out of nine games.
There's better news for several other players on the Giants' lengthy injury list.
Forwards Steve Johnson (knee) and Rory Lobb (groin) will have fitness tests ahead of Sunday's clash with Carlton in Melbourne.
Both men have missed the past two games..
Jacob Hopper (finger), Will Setterfield (ankle), Nick Haynes (hamstring) and Devon Smith (knee) are set to return in the next month, while Stephen Coniglio (ankle) is a longer-term prospect.
The Giants will officially announce on Wednesday that Setterfield and fellow 2016 first-round draft picks, Tim Taranto and Harry Perryman, have all signed contract extensions.
Taranto has played all but one senior game this season, Perryman has made three appearances and Setterfield is yet to debut.
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