The Brisbane Lions advises that defender Josh Drummond underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Drummond experienced some discomfort in his knee following last Saturday night's match against Essendon with scans on Monday revealing cartilage damage.

He is expected to miss between 4-6 weeks.

While Drummond's left knee was the same one that was reconstructed with LARS surgery in May last year, he was assured by his surgeon that the meniscus tear will in no way affect his previous injury.

This latest setback is a cruel blow for the 28 year-old who has managed just two senior matches for the Lions over the past 12 months due to a combination of knee, hip and quad problems.

Drummond, who was also elevated into the Lions' Leadership Group at the beginning of the season, now faces another stint on the sidelines.

"The injury actually happened in the first contest of the game - within the first 30 seconds - but I was able to play out the game," Drummond said.

"Having gotten through the game, I knew I'd done some damage, but didn't think it would be anything that would require surgery. But on Monday it sort of blew up, so I went and had a scan."

"It wasn't anything too serious and I was initially keen to just play through it. But after speaking with our Club doctors, physios, and medical staff, they saw it as too big of a risk going forward and suggested I get it cleaned up," he said.

"It's definitely frustrating, particularly as I was just getting used to playing senior footy again and building my match fitness. I thought I was only a week or two away from playing my best footy."

"I've had a rough few years and been dealt a few of these setbacks, so know how to deal with them. Hopefully this one is only a short-term injury and I can get back into the side as quickly as I can."

"We've got a great young group at the Club who are close to turning the corner and I'm really keen to be part of that."