GOLD Coast small forward Brandon Matera will require ankle surgery after scans confirmed the Suns' worst fears.

Matera injured his left ankle in Saturday night's loss against Geelong when Cat James Kelly fell across his lower leg, and will need a screw inserted into his ankle to repair the damage.

Matera was immediately assessed by the club’s medical staff on Saturday night and has been wearing a moonboot since the completion of the match.

"Brandon will undergo surgery as soon as he can, and following the surgery we will be in a better position to determine the length of time Brandon will be sidelined for," general manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said.

It continues a horror run of injuries for Gold Coast, which includes ruckman Zac Smith's season-ending knee injury, Jared Brennan (knee), Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) and Harley Bennell (hamstring).

In better news, key players Karmichael Hunt (hamstring) and Charlie Dixon (ankle) are a chance to return this weekend, even though it may be through the reserves.

Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting