St Kilda forward Max King has been hit with another setback in his bid to return from an ongoing knee issue, with the Saints spearhead now battling a calf injury less than a month out from his side's season opener.
After missing the entirety of last season due to surgery on a medial knee injury, King's pre-season faced further delays due to a setback before the new year.
The 25-year-old had integrated into main training in recent weeks, but has been with the Saints' rehabilitation group for most of the summer.
A calf injury will now push his return timeframe back a further two weeks at least in what is the latest frustrating blow for St Kilda's key forward.
"Max has put together a solid block of work this pre-season and it is disappointing for him to face this setback albeit on the lower end of the scale,” Saints football boss Lenny Hayes said in a club update
“However, we remain optimistic and will do everything we can to support Max and have him back in full training as soon as possible."
The injury places further doubt over King's chances for the first several rounds of the season, with the Saints to host Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday, March 8, for their first game of the new campaign.
The Saints have matches against Melbourne, GWS and Brisbane in the succeeding weeks prior to their Round 4 bye.
