SPEEDY Gold Coast forward Sean Lemmens will miss up to eight weeks and likely undergo surgery for a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle.

Lemmens fell awkwardly in a tackle in the final 45 seconds of Sunday's five-point JLT Community Series win against the Western Bulldogs in Mackay.

It's the second straight year the 24-year-old has sustained an injury in the pre-season competition, tearing his hamstring against Geelong in Townsville last year.

With his speed around the contest and ability to apply defensive pressure, Lemmens was almost certain to start the season in Gold Coast's best team.

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"Unfortunately for Sean in the last tackle of the game he suffered a high ankle sprain," Gold Coast's head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said.

"We’ll consult with an ankle surgeon this week and likely have surgery.

"They usually last six to eight weeks in their rehab."

George Horlin-Smith also sustained a minor ankle injury against the Bulldogs in the opening quarter, but played out the game, and will be rested against Sydney on Sunday.