The Western Bulldogs insist Brian Lake's injuries are legitimate, despite ongoing cynicism from Richmond.

The Bulldogs said Lake will need a test and medical assessment ahead of Saturday night's AFL match against West Coast at Telstra Dome.

"Brian underwent an ultrasound and full medical assessment on his hamstring, hip and back this afternoon," the club said in a statement.

"The results of the medical tests conducted show some damage and Brian will be limited to light training this week due to continual back spasms and hip pain.

"He will undergo a test and medical assessment at the end of the week."

Lake took a mark late in Sunday's draw against the Tigers, but claimed he could not take the shot at goal because he was injured.

Ruckman Will Minson, a better shot for goal, took the kick and his accuracy tied the match.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace predicted post-match that Lake would play this week, while earlier on Monday Nathan Brown also doubted that the Bulldog backman was really hurt

"I don't think Brian was injured, I just think Brian was very clever," said Brown.

In other injury news, St Kilda face another shuffling of their key-position players after a hamstring injury ruled out ruckman Steven King for two to three matches.

King suffered a back-related hamstring injury in Friday night's win over Essendon.

With Michael Gardiner needing to pass a test to return from his hamstring injury on Saturday night against Port Adelaide, Justin Koschitzke might have to lead the ruck work against the Power.

That would probably mean Fraser Gehrig's return to the side.

The Saints had tried Koschitzke, Gehrig and Nick Riewoldt as a three-pronged attack, but they dropped Gehrig last weekend after two-straight losses.

In another injury blow for St Kilda, young defender Sam Gilbert will be out for six to eight games with a shoulder injury.

Gilbert was diagnosed with a grade-three displaced AC joint.

Meanwhile, Carlton veteran Ryan Houlihan will be out for at least another four weeks with his hip injury.

Houlihan hurt the hip in the round-three loss to Essendon and he will undergo surgery on Thursday to determine the extent of the problem.

Also on Monday, North Melbourne key position player Leigh Brown had hand surgery.

He will be assessed later this week at training.

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