WESTERN Bulldogs key defender Marcus Adams has avoided surgery on the foot injury sustained in the loss to the Sydney Swans, but he will spend the next 6-8 weeks on the sidelines.

Adams did not return to the field after half-time of the SCG clash, and scans have confirmed damage to the Lisfranc ligaments in his left foot.

It's a bitter blow to the premiers, with the 23-year-old regularly holding his own against the opposition's best key forward.

Head Physiotherapist Chris Bell told westernbuldogs.com.au the club was relieved Adams had escaped going under the knife.

"Scans have confirmed that he has suffered a moderate grade injury to the Lisfranc ligaments that form the supporting structure at the arch of his foot," Bell said.

"After specialist opinion, he does not require surgery and we will put a conservative plan around his recovery.

"Marcus has been put in to a CAM boot to allow the ligament to heal, and we will reassess Marcus in the next 6-8 weeks."

Adams, who recently signed a new three-year-deal, has a habit of injuring himself against the Swans, with the hulking West Australian picking up a similar injury on his right foot in round 15 last year.

That injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season after initially being diagnosed as a 1-2 week rehabilitation period.

Adams' unavailability is just another headache for coach Luke Beveridge down back, with skipper Robert Murphy nursing a knee injury, and key defenders Fletcher Roberts and Zaine Cordy both struggling and dropped to the VFL this season.

Second-year key defender Kieran Collins could be considered for a second senior game, but the 19-year-old hasn't had the most consistent season for Footscray.