THE BRISBANE Lions have been dealt another injury setback with top draft pick Hugh McCluggage ruled out for up to a month with an ankle injury.
McCluggage, the No.3 selection in last year's NAB Draft, sustained the injury in last Thursday night's JLT Community Series win over the Western Bulldogs.
Lions head of medical Peter Blanch said the injury was worse than first thought.
McCluggage picked up the problem in the first quarter, but played on.
"We had scans done and it's a bit more damage than we first though," Blanch told the club's website.
"Hugh's going to be out for probably three or four weeks."
It comes on the back of recent training injuries to Josh Schache (knee), Allen Christensen (collarbone) and Jono Freeman (cheekbone).
Schache and Freeman are both back running, while versatile tall Daniel McStay and running defender Reuben William made successful returns from injury through the NEAFL on the weekend.
