There is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for some of the Brisbane Lions’ long-term injured players, with Matthew Leuenberger, Patrick Wearden and Brent Staker all expected to return to the field within the next week or two.

Granted they can get through the main training session this week, Leuenberger and Wearden will line-up for the Lions Reserves in their Gabba curtain-raiser against Aspley this Saturday afternoon, while Staker is more likely to return the following week.

“It’s really good news, the long-term injured boys are starting to transition back into training,” Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“Patty’s overcome some ankle issues and is back training with the main team. So long as he gets through the main session, he’ll be available to play.

“All going well, Leuey will play this weekend in the Reserves, and Stakes will follow him the next week in the twos.”

Meanwhile, the Lions have been given a lighter load on the training track this week to afford the senior players who travelled to Perth more time to focus on recovery.

“It was a pretty taxing trip over to Perth, with both the wet ground and long flight, and obviously a very tough opposition,” Hass said.

“The boys generally pulled up pretty sore and beat-up.”

In other injury news, an ankle injury will sidelined James Polkinghorne for the next 2-3 weeks.

View the Lions' full injury list ahead of Round 15