GOLD Coast has confirmed ruckman Tom Nicholls has strained a posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
 
Nicholls had scans in Melbourne on Monday morning after being helped off in the third quarter of Sunday's 43-point win against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
 
The club could not confirm a timeframe for recovery but said Nicholls would be sidelined for an "extended period".
 
General manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said the Suns would determine the best course of action for recovery in the coming days.
 
"The exact timeframe that Tom will be sidelined for is unknown and will become apparent as he works his way through the rehabilitation program," Ashcroft said. 
 
The injury leaves the Suns' ruck stocks in a bit of a hole, with Zac Smith expected to return through the NEAFL in the next fortnight after missing 12 months with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
 
Dan Gorringe has recently had Achilles surgery that is likely to cost him a month.
 
The load will likely fall on hulking forward Charlie Dixon, who made a successful return from a groin injury against the Kangaroos on Sunday.
 
Gold Coast has a bye this weekend before playing St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on May 18.