BEN Brown will require knee surgery following a consultation with the specialist on Wednesday afternoon.

The 28-year-old will have an arthroscope in the coming days to address cartilage damage in his left knee.

“Given Ben’s knee history we will be taking a conservative approach to his recovery,” General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson told Melbourne Media.

“Ben’s availability for selection will be determined on how well he responds to the rehab program. We are very confident though that we can build Ben back to full fitness and we will see him in action during the early rounds of the season. 

“We anticipate Ben will be in a position to commence running four weeks following surgery.

“He is in very good shape and his training standards since joining the club have been outstanding.

“We recruited Ben as a long-term player for the club and are very confident that his best football is ahead of him.”

Brown reported persistent knee swelling on Monday prior to training.

Defender Marty Hore underwent a successful surgery on Wednesday to repair his left anterior cruciate ligament after rupturing it two weeks ago.