Brisbane Lions veteran Simon Black is expected to be available for the AFL season opener despite undergoing minor surgery on his troublesome knee on Tuesday.

Black went under the knife after aggravating the knee complaint that had troubled him last season during pre-season training.

“Simon’s knee issue from last season settled during the break, however, when the boys returned for pre-season training he felt a minor irritation return,” Lions football manager Dean Warren said.

“To ensure that Simon was right for the commencement of the 2013 season it was decided that we get it cleaned up immediately.”

Black, 33, will be able to start running in six weeks.

The Lions kick-start their season away to Western Bulldogs on March 30.