MATTHEW Leuenberger's Achilles injury is worse than first thought, with the Brisbane Lions ruckman put on the long-term injury list on Wednesday afternoon.
It was hoped Leuenberger would miss just six weeks of action after suffering the injury against Fremantle on Saturday, but following further examination he will now miss a minimum of eight.
The small tear will keep Leuenberger off the park until at least round 12 against Hawthorn.
It is a savage blow for the Lions who enter Saturday night's QClash against Gold Coast with a 1-2 record.
Leuenberger was riddled with injuries early in his career, but has not missed a game since lining up in round one of 2010.
Veteran Ben Hudson and rookie Billy Longer were both recruited in the off-season to fill the Lions' ruck stocks and both will now shoulder a heavy workload.
Hudson, 33, is a seasoned campaigner after stints with both Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs, while Longer made his debut against Freo last week.
The Lions have the ability to now upgrade a rookie-contracted player but have not yet done so.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
