GOLD Coast has been dealt a triple whammy ahead of Saturday's QClash against the Brisbane Lions with leaders David Swallow and Nick Malceski ruled out with knee injuries.

Swallow has strained the posterior cruciate in his right knee and will miss a minimum of eight to 10 weeks, while Malceski has knee soreness and will miss two weeks.

Gold Coast general manager of football operations, Marcus Ashcroft, said Swallow would consult with a specialist on Wednesday to determine if surgery was required.

"The timeframe David will be sidelined for is still to be determined. We do know that if no surgery is required he will miss a minimum of 8-10 weeks," Ashcroft said.

Tall forward Sam Day – who played in the NEAFL at the weekend – will also miss four to six weeks with a dislocated elbow.

"On the back of an unacceptable on-field performance last weekend, these injuries are disappointing and place extra responsibility on our entire playing group to persevere through adverse times," Ashcroft said.