In better news for the club, Ben Reid is a chance to face the Western Bulldogs on Friday night as he overcomes an Achilles injury.

Fasolo escaped surgery on the syndesmosis injury, but faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines in another blow to his campaign.

Shoulder surgery interrupted Fasolo's pre-season then the lively forward was made to work hard for his AFL spot.

He kicked 11 goals in five games in the VFL before earning a call-up for the clash with the Saints.

"Alex has a pretty serious ankle injury, which is a terrible shame for him," Pies football chief Geoff Walsh said.

"It was his first senior game for the year and he only lasted until halftime.

"That ankle injury is more than likely something that will see him sidelined for a significant period of time.

"We are looking at around six or seven weeks at this stage."

Reid needs to prove his fitness at the club's main training session and Brayden Maynard (ankle) is in the frame to return in a fortnight.

But the club is still to put a timeframe on the returns of hamstrung trio Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore and Josh Thomas.

"We are doing all we can in terms of fast-tracking those guys as all have some sort of history of recurrence in that area," Walsh said.

"We are treating them very conservatively and it's hard to put a timeframe on it at the moment.

"Within seven-to-fourteen days, we will have an understanding of when those three boys will be ready to resume."

Australian Associated Press