GOLD Coast defender Wil Powell is expected to have surgery on his left ankle this week, but will be ready for the start of next pre-season.

Powell landed awkwardly from a marking contest late in Saturday's loss to Adelaide, halting the game for more than five minutes as he was taken from the field on a medi-cab in severe pain.

Gold Coast's head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said scans showed the 23-year-old had injured the medial ligaments in his ankle.

Powell will see a specialist on Tuesday and is likely to have surgery later this week.

"Usually that's around the 12-week mark (for recovery)," Bull said.

"We expect Wil to have quite a good off-season and be ready to go day one of pre-season."

00:55

Sun's cruel run continues with another leg injury

Gold Coast's Wil Powell is stretchered off the field after this awkward landing leaves the luckless defender hurt

Published on Aug 5, 2023

It's the second severe ankle injury in two seasons for Powell, after the luckless defender dislocated and fractured his right ankle against the same opponent last season.