Scans have revealed Brisbane Lions midfielder Bradd Dalziell has suffered a minor knee ligament tear, ruling him out for up to six weeks - six weeks less than first feared.

However, the good news has been countered by confirmation the Lions' ruck stocks have been further depleted by injury.

Teenage ruckman Bart McCulloch has been ruled out for four-to-six weeks with a grade one quad tear following tests this week.

He suffered the injury in his first match for the Lions reserves last weekend.

Lions coach Michael Voss had already lost first choice ruckmen Matthew Leuenberger (knee) and Jamie Charman (ankle) to the long-term injury list.

At least test results for Dalziell gave Voss a reason to smile.

Voss initially feared the prolific ball winner would be out for three months with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) damage - adding injury to insult following their last round 93-point thumping by the Cats at Geelong.

However, Lions medical staff on Wednesday revealed Dalziell's left knee had only suffered a minor PCL tear and was set to miss four-to-six weeks.

Small forward Rhan Hooper will be tested for a troublesome ankle complaint ahead of Saturday night's Gabba clash with Essendon.

In a welcome confidence boost for the gutted Lions, Essendon have not defeated Brisbane at the Gabba since round eight, 2000.

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