Gold Coast SUNS key forward Charlie Dixon has undergone minor ankle surgery and is expected to be back running before the NAB Challenge series.

Dixon underwent arthroscopic surgery this week, in a bid to give the ruck-forward the best chance to overcome ankle issues that has troubled him for the past 18 months.

The minor surgery will assist in ensuring his fitness for the 2015 Season.

The North Queensland product will be placed on modified training and closely monitored by the club’s medical staff, before commencing a graduated running program.

Gold Coast senior coach, Rodney Eade provided an update on Dixon’s injury.

“We have been carefully managing Charlie’s training loads in recent weeks, but after consulting with our medical team, it was determined the arthroscopy would give him the best chance of recovery,” Eade said.

“We envisage he will be back running in three to four weeks.”

Meanwhile, Gold Coast midfielder Jesse Lonergan is set to be closely monitored by club medical staff, after sustaining an ankle injury at training on Wednesday morning.

Lonergan, who has turned in a strong pre-season this summer, required medical assistance after he awkwardly stood on a teammate’s foot during the warm-up.

He has been sent for scans.

“Jesse unfortunately suffered an ankle injury at training on Wednesday, however the full extent of his injury is still to be determined,” Eade said.

It’s an ill timely blow for the young Sun, who had been cruelled with both wrist and hamstring injuries since being taken with the No. 13 pick in the 2012 AFL Draft.