NORTH Melbourne defender Sam Wright has suffered another injury blow, with a left ankle sprain set to sideline him for up to eight weeks.

Wright was injured during the third quarter of North's 70-point win over Richmond at Blundstone Arena last Friday night and did not return to the ground.

North announced on Monday afternoon Wright had suffered a high ankle sprain that would require surgery later this week.

"Sam will go under the knife in the next few days to repair ligaments in his left ankle," North football director Geoff Walsh told NMFC.com.au.

"After having just spent a month on the sidelines having injured his opposite ankle, it's a tough blow for Sam but we expect him back in time for any potential finals campaign.

"We're hopeful he'll only miss six to eight weeks."

Wright played 2016's opening six rounds but missed the next three games after injuring his right ankle in North's win over the Western Bulldogs.

The 25-year-old will be sorely missed in the Roos' defence, where his strong foot skills on both sides of the body allow him to switch play as well as anyone.