Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English has been placed on a modified training program just over a month out from the start of the 2025 season following an abdominal injury.

The ailment was sustained on Friday, with English suffering bruising after copping a knock during the club's match simulation session.

English is facing an uncertain return timeframe but will be placed on a non-contact program until he recovers.

"Tim English was absent from training today after sustaining some bruising to his abdominal area after suffering a knock at training on Friday," the club said.

"He is expected to return to the Club tomorrow on a modified program and will practice non-contact training until symptoms improve.

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"This means the 27-year-old will miss a match simulation session on Sunday during the Club's pre-season camp in Noosa."

The setback adds to a history of interrupted pre-seasons for the All-Australian, who dealt with migraine-related symptoms ahead of the 2024. He had also faced time on the sidelines due to concussion, hamstring and adductor issues in the past.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Tim English of the Bulldogs in action during a Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Whitten Oval on March 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

English played 23 games for the Dogs last year, missing just one game due to an ankle injury sustained late into the season.

His latest concern adds to a small group of Bulldogs players carrying injuries ahead of the club's upcoming pre-season matches, with Anthony Scott sidelined with a kneecap subluxation that will see him miss practice games against Essendon and Hawthorn.

Veteran Adam Treloar is dealing with a calf issue but should see minutes in the build-up to Round 1, while recruit Matt Kennedy, forward Cody Weightman and defender Liam Jones are among those who have been limited at training in the past week.

The Dogs are scheduled to face the Bombers at Whitten Oval on February 15 before their Community Series clash with Hawthorn 12 days later.

The Western Bulldogs open their home and away campaign against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 15 before games against Collingwood, Carlton and Fremantle.