INJURY-PLAGUED speedster Nakia Cockatoo was pulled from Geelong training on Thursday after complaining of soreness behind his troublesome left knee.

Still on a modified program following surgery to repair the PCL he re-injured in July, the 22-year-old failed to finish the session as a precaution at Deakin University.

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While the Cats remain hopeful it won't hinder his preparation for 2019, the complaint high on his left calf is a concern after his history of soft-tissue setbacks.

The livewire was limited to 11 games in 2017 due to three separate hamstring injuries, while a calf setback on the eve of the 2018 season meant a delayed start via the VFL.

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Once he returned to AFL action, Cockatoo first injured his PCL against West Coast in round three, before suffering the same fate less than 10 minutes into a VFL comeback in July.

After a bout of illness pushed back his VFL return in July last year, Cockatoo has also been battling tonsillitis in recent weeks.

Returning this week alongside first-to-fourth-year players, Cockatoo was expected to join in elements of full training in the lead-up to the Christmas break. 

Ahead of his fifth season, Cockatoo has played 34 matches after being selected at pick No.10 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

Cockatoo hits the track on Tuesday. Picture: geelongcats.com.au