GIANTS defender Sam Taylor will undergo surgery on his ankle this week.

The young key injured his ankle in the third term of Sunday’s win over the West Coast Eagles with scans on Monday revealing the severity of the injury.

“Sam’s damaged his syndesmosis and will see a specialist tomorrow,” GIANTS Head of Medical Cullan Ball said.

“He’ll have surgery this week which will sideline him for approximately eight weeks.

“It’s tough news after a brilliant start to 2021, particularly after everything he endured last year.

“To play out the game with that injury just cements what a brave player he is.”

In better news, fellow young defender Jack Buckley is expected to line up against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday at the Gabba after also injuring his ankle on Sunday.

“Jack suffered your typical rolled ankle during the game on Sunday,” Ball said.

“He also played the game out and he’s pulled up well so we think he’ll be ok for Saturday’s game.”

Draftee Jacob Wehr (ankle) was a late withdrawal from last week’s VFL match while fellow youngster Tanner Bruhn came off in the second quarter of Saturday’s VFL clash with a sore groin but the duo are expected to be available for selection this week.

There’s a host of players who could also return this week with Jake Stein (thumb), Adam Kennedy (shoulder) and Braydon Preuss (shoulder) all listed as tests as they recover from long-term injuries.

The GIANTS take on the Lions at the Gabba on Saturday at 2:10pm with the two sides’ VFL teams to clash earlier in the day.

Injury List - May 24