St Kilda's Hunter Clark is set to spend at least a month on the sidelines after suffering a MCL sprain in the Saints' Round 11 loss to Hawthorn.
Clark was replaced by Cooper Sharman in the ten point loss with a knee concern, with scans now confirming he is set to spend four-six weeks on the sidelines.
The luckless Saint managed just eight games last season after dealing with a spate of injuries, suffering a shoulder injury in the pre-season before a facial fracture in Round 16.
So far in 2023, the 24-year-old has played 11 games, averaging 20.6 disposals per game.
Clark will join several other Saints on the injury list, with Nick Coffield (calf), Jack Hayes (hamstring) and Zak Jones (achilles) all still unavailable until the later stages of the season.
Jack Bytel has also already been ruled out of Round 13 after suffering a concussion in the VFL, while Mitch Owens is tracking well after being concussed in Round 10's win over GWS, the club hopeful he will make the trip to Sydney next week.
“Hunter is unfortunately very well versed in the rehab process, and we have no doubt he'll attack this period with diligence and professionalism,” St Kilda's acting footy boss David Misson said.
“Given the quick turnaround to the Sydney game, we've already decided to take the pressure off Jack to be ready for that game.
“With Mitch, we'll see how he is over the break, but so far he's going well and we're hopeful he will be available for Round 13.”
The Saints have the week off after the Round 11 loss to Hawthorn, next set to face Sydney at the SCG after the bye.
