LIVEWIRE Eagles forward Liam Ryan will be grounded for up to three months after suffering a nasty ankle injury against Geelong.
The high-flying youngster heard a crack when he soccered the go-ahead goal against the Cats, his seventh major in only three career games.
But the former Subiaco product's stellar start to his career will be stalled for 10-12 weeks.
"The good news is though he's avoided surgery, which is pleasing, which will allow for a quicker recovery," football manager Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
The potential comeback of dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy could soften the blow, but the Eagles have a decision to make if the spearhead needs another week of training under his belt following knee and ankle surgery.
Kennedy is listed as a test for Saturday night's clash with Gold Coast at Optus Stadium and completed extra running around Lathlain Park during Tuesday's session.
"Josh has ticked every box and probably progressed as quickly as we could've hoped for," Vozzo said.
"He'll do some main training later in the week, and then we'll wait for the advice of our medical and (strength and conditioning) staff as to whether he'll be able to play this week or next."
Liam Duggan is set to be available for the Suns encounter after being withdrawn late from the Geelong victory with a hamstring issue.
The 21-year-old appeared to hit top pace in stride-throughs on Tuesday, and coach Adam Simpson expected he would return for round four.
Recruit Brendon Ah Chee (ankle) and young forward Oscar Allen (shin) are nearing comebacks and are likely to return after East Perth's bye this weekend.
"If we had a WAFL games this weekend (Allen) would probably be available to play in that, but he'll follow Brendon Ah Chee's program and do a really big session on Saturday," Vozzo said.
"All being well he'll get through training next week and be available for East Perth for his first game."
Big men Nathan Vardy (adductor) and Tony Olango (knee) should be ready for comebacks at the Royals towards the end of April.
