GIANTS midfielder Jacob Hopper will be sidelined for a further four weeks due to an ankle injury.

The 20-year old was close to returning to the field following finger surgery but will miss the next month after rolling his ankle at training. 

GIANTS Head of Athletic Performance David Joyce said: “This is an unfortunate setback for Jacob who had done an enormous amount of work in recent weeks.

“He has demonstrated his resilience in the past and we’re confident he will attack the rehab plan for this injury with his normal dedication and professionalism.

“We look forward to seeing him back playing an important role for us in the weeks to come.”

Fellow midfielder Josh Kelly will face a fitness test due to a hip complaint also suffered at training.  

Kelly hasn’t missed a game so far this season and has been one of the GIANTS' standout midfielders through the first half of the season. 

In better news for the GIANTS, defender Nick Haynes, forward Rory Lobb and midfielder Will Setterfield will also face fitness tests and are a chance to play in Brisbane this Saturday.

Haynes hasn’t played since round six due to a hamstring injury and Lobb has missed the last three games with a groin complaint.

Setterfield, who recently re-signed until the end of 2020, could play his first match since April when he suffered a syndesmosis injury in the NEAFL. 

Devon Smith (knee), Stephen Coniglio (ankle), Ryan Griffen (ankle), Brett Deledio (calf), Jake Stein (groin) and Lachie Tiziani (knee) remain in the rehabilitation group and are expected to return to the field in the coming weeks.