ADELAIDE forward Lachie Murphy will miss at least two months after undergoing surgery on a right ankle syndesmosis injury suffered in Saturday night's Showdown loss to Port Adelaide.
Murphy went down in the first quarter against the Power, having landed awkwardly in a marking contest.
He was helped from the field in obvious pain and was substituted out straight away.
Scans on Murphy's ankle showed a significant ankle syndesmosis injury and he will have surgery in the coming days.
The 22-year-old has played every game this season for a career total of 52 across four years at AFL level.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide's Zak Butters will remain on the sidelines indefinitely after a setback in his recovery from syndesmosis surgery.
Butters' return to the field has been delayed due to a nerve injury around his knee, suffered in the same incident as his ankle injury, against Richmond in round four.
"The nerve injury has resulted in some lower leg weakness that, although continues to improve, will prolong the rehabilitation process," Port Adelaide said in a statement on Monday.
Dan Houston has been cleared of further damage to his shoulder but will be monitored ahead of Saturday's clash with the Western Bulldogs.
