Gold Coast Suns captain Gary Ablett has been sidelined for the foreseeable future by a shoulder injury that has plagued him since last year’s AFL season.

In a statement from the club, football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft confirmed the 30-year-old had been ruled out and would miss this Sunday’s game against Geelong.

• Gary Ablett set to re-sign with Gold Coast Suns
• Heavy hearts: Gary Ablett done for 2014

Mr Ashcroft said Ablett had struggled with his shoulder in the first two rounds following a major shoulder reconstruction last year.

“After a couple of games, where his shoulder has been tested in match conditions, Gary’s shoulder has been stirred up, effecting his movement and strength,” Mr Ashcroft said.

It is unclear how many games Ablett will miss, but Mr Ashcroft said he was confident the dual Brownlow medallist would return stronger than before.

“Our advice is that with some rest and ability to add more strength, Gary should return in a better state to play.”