Rookie Callum Bartlett is facing a month on the sidelines after scans revealed a cheekbone fracture suffered during last Sunday’s NEAFL at Metricon Stadium.

The injury is expected to keep the in-form midfielder out for approximately four weeks.

It is a bitter blow for Bartlett, who has been in career-best form throughout the early stages of the 2013 season with the Lions Reserves.

The 21 year-old had just completed the first full pre-season of his young AFL career, having overcome two knee reconstructions.

Fortunately, Bartlett’s injury wasn’t nearly as severe as the one suffered by teammate Patrick Wearden in the same match, and isn’t expected to greatly affect the fitness base he’s developed over summer.

“It’s really unfortunate news for Callum, who’s been in terrific form with the Reserves after working really hard over the pre-season,” General Manager of Football Operations Dean Warren said.

“He might not be able to do any contested drills for a few weeks, but at least he’s still able to do all the running and skills work at training.”

Bartlett becomes the fourth Lions player to be added to the Club’s injury list following last weekend’s matches – joining Jared Polec (ankle), Patrick Wearden (face) and Ryan Lester (adductor).