PROMISING Gold Coast midfielder Brayden Fiorini faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines after suffering an unusual knee injury in the NEAFL at the weekend.

Fiorini, who was recruited with pick No.20 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, ruptured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and will consult a surgeon on Wednesday.

The lateral collateral ligament is located on the outside of the knee and is one of the most important ligaments for maintaining stability.

Gold Coast head physiotherapist Adam Russell said the injury took place in a tackle during the second quarter of the Suns' NEAFL clash on Saturday.  

"He had an MRI scan yesterday which has shown that he’s got an unusual injury," Russell told the club's website on Tuesday. 

"He’s going down to see the surgeon tomorrow and is tentatively booked in for surgery on Thursday so we’ll probably know a bit more about his management after that."

LCL injuries can sideline players for between six weeks and three months in some sports, depending on the severity. 

Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow missed just four weeks with the injury in early 2014, while Adelaide star Taylor Walker suffered the injury in 2013 in addition to rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.  

Vice-captain Dion Prestia will need to pass a fitness test at Thursday's main training session after battling a shoulder problem in last Saturday's QClash. 

Meanwhile, midfielder Jaeger O'Meara is ramping up his recovery from a ruptured patella tendon, running on grass for a second week. 

"He’s coming along nicely so hopefully we’ll see him back sooner rather than later," Russell said.