Midfield veteran Ryan Griffen has suffered another ankle injury with surgery to keep him sidelined for a further three months.

Griffen was nearing a return from a syndesmosis injury suffered in round three when he re-injured the same ankle at training on Saturday.

“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.”

In other news, forwards Steve Johnson (knee) and Rory Lobb (groin) will both face fitness tests ahead of Sunday’s clash with Carlton in Melbourne, with the duo missing the past fortnight with their respective injuries.

Jacob Hopper (finger), Will Setterfield (ankle), Nick Haynes (hamstring) and Devon Smith (knee) all look set to return to the field in the next month while Stephen Coniglio (ankle) is a longer term prospect.

GIANTS Injury List