West Coast forward Josh Kennedy is set to miss the next three months of the AFL season with scans confirming he requires ankle surgery.

Kennedy suffered the injury after landing awkwardly in a marking contest in Sunday’s 10-point victory over Richmond.

The 24-year-old returned to the field, but the Eagles claim no further damage was suffered by his efforts to continue.

Kennedy needs a six-to-eight week recovery period before he can start the process of rebuilding his fitness base.

The key forward’s injury is a massive blow to ladder-leading West Coast, who have already lost All-Australian Mark LeCras (knee) for the season.

Goalsneak Mark Nicoski (hamstring) and winger Andrew Embley (shoulder) are also nursing serious injuries and won’t return until the second half of the season.

Kennedy booted 59 goals last season, and his absence will put major pressure on fellow key forwards Jack Darling and Quinten Lynch to boost their goalkicking outputs.

The Eagles take on North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.