Allen Christensen could return to football as early as this weekend when the Lions play Southport in the NEAFL on Saturday.

The Lions were dealt a blow when the midfielder broke his collarbone at training in February.

He had surgery to insert a plate and all going well, Christensen is planned to resume contact training this week.

“Allen has pretty much got the all clear from his surgeon to start back into contact work,” said Brisbane Lions Head of Medical Peter Blanch.

“We’re just trying to line up whether he starts to play in NEAFL this week or back into full contact training next week.”

Lions Health Centre: Injury List

Blanch is confident defender Darcy Gardiner will be available for selection despite receiving a knock to his quad during Sunday’s match against St Kilda.

“Darcy took a bad knock to his quad during the second quarter and he wasn’t able to continue on (for the match).

“He’ll work pretty hard on it this week and hopefully get back up.”

Rhys Mathieson (ankle) and Reuben William (shoulder) are all progressing well in their recovery from injury while Sam Skinner is on schedule in his return from an ACL injury.