ALLEN Christensen will miss the remainder of the NAB Challenge but will be fit for round one after undergoing minor finger surgery.

Christensen had a cyst removed from his finger late last week and returned to Brisbane Lions training on Wednesday morning at Coorparoo.

He was reduced to running laps for 40 minutes on his own before leaving training.

Christensen is expected to miss the Lions' remaining two NAB Challenge games while the finger heals, but is a definite starter for the opening round against West Coast in Perth on March 27.

In positive injury news for the Lions, Michael Close, Claye Beams and Trent West all trained strongly today on the comeback from knee problems, and look likely to return through the reserves this week at Southport.

Beams ran well at half-back in match simulation drills, while Close opposed veteran Daniel Merrett as he puts he finishing touches on a comeback from an ACL injury.

West shared time in the ruck with rookie Archie Smith against Stefan Martin.