Star midfielder Adam Treloar will have surgery to repair an ankle syndesmosis ligament injury.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury in the second quarter of Saturday night’s big win against St Kilda, after having his leg caught in a tackle.

He was subbed out of the game at half time.

It is expected Treloar will be sidelined for the next 6-8 weeks.

“We’ve decided the best way to manage this injury is to operate to stabilise the ligament,” head of sports medicine, Chris Bell, said.

“This will get him back playing sooner and avoid ongoing complications.

“We will confirm his timeframe to return to play following the surgery but expect him to miss the 6-8 weeks of footy.”

However, the Bulldogs could have a couple of important players available to return against Melbourne.

Ruck-forward Tim English (concussion) and midfielder Pat Lipinski (quad) are both in the frame to return.

First-year utility Anthony Scott (head knock) will also be a test later in the week, after being taken out of Saturday night’s win at three quarter time.

The news isn’t as positive for young gun Laitham Vandermeer, who is now set for surgery on a knee injury.

“Unfortunately we have tried a period of conservative management and Laitham has continued to suffer some catching in his knee from the cartilage damage,” Bell said.

“We have been required to resort to surgery to assist in his management. We’ll confirm his return to play plan following the surgery, in the next couple of days.” 

Injury list

McLean (knee) – available
English (concussion) – test
Lipinski (quad) – test
Scott (head knock) – test
Ugle-Hagan (concussion) – test
Vandermeer (knee) – TBC
Martin (Achilles) – 1-2 weeks
Richards (ankle) – 2-3 weeks
Wood (hamstring) – 3-5 weeks
Treloar (ankle) – 6-8 weeks
Dunkley (shoulder) – 7-9 weeks
Jong (hamstring) – 7-9 weeks