In the latest of a string of devastating injuries, Brisbane Lions recruit Xavier Clarke has been left gutted after being ordered to undergo a knee reconstruction.

The Lions said the ex-St Kilda running utility ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at training on Tuesday.

It adds another chapter to the 27-year-old's sad injury tale.

He sat out the entire 2009 season with the Saints after undergoing a full knee reconstruction on his other leg.

But he was still snapped up by the Lions during the 2009 AFL trade period.

He completed a strict rehabilitation program with the Lions but only made one senior appearance for his new club last year due to a torn hamstring in the opening quarter of his comeback match that promptly ended his 2010 season.

Adding to the bitter disappointment of his latest setback was the fact the injury occurred just as Clarke had almost completed a full pre-season with the Lions and had high hopes for 2011.

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