The Brisbane Lions have placed Patrick Wearden on the long-term injury list.

The 20-year-old utility underwent surgery on a badly damaged ankle on Thursday and is expected to miss the next 10-12 weeks.

The long term injury list essentially provides clubs with the opportunity to temporarily elevate a rookie to the senior list in place of the injured player.

The injured player (which, in this case, is Wearden) must spend a minimum of eight weeks on the long term injury list.

The Lions now have the ability to ‘upgrade’ a rookie should the Club deem it necessary.