Brisbane midfielder Jarrod Berry's niggling groin injury has got Lions' coach Chris Fagan stumped.
Berry has resumed running after picking up the injury in a round five AFL win over Essendon but Fagan says that doesn't mean the 23-year-old is any closer to making his playing return.
"He's out running this morning but he still looks like he's a little way off," Fagan said.
"I couldn't make a prediction on when he'd be available and I daresay when he is, he's probably going to have to play in reserves for a week or two depending on how we're travelling at the time with our own injuries."
Berry's unavailability adds to a midfield injury list that already includes Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.
In spite of those absences, the Lions have climbed to fifth on the ladder after a four-game winning run heading into Saturday's derby against Queensland rivals Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Ex-Sun Jarryd Lyons' form in the midfield has been a big part of that run of victories as he prepares to face the club that delisted him at the end of 2018.
Fagan admits to being surprised by just how well Lyons has gone at Brisbane, complementing the 28-year-old on being an "A-grader" in every aspect since arriving at the Gabba.
"To be honest with you I didn't know a lot about Jarryd Lyons," Fagan said.
"I knew he was a bit of a journeyman, that he'd been at Adelaide and been with Gold Coast.
"Since he's been at our club he's grown considerably into one of the smarter midfielders going around.
"He's a little bit unheralded and people don't give him the plaudits that other midfielders get but in terms of consistency, in terms of leadership, he's been excellent from the day he arrived at the club."
Australian Associated Press
