ST KILDA defender Jake Carlisle has been on limited duties for several weeks and faces a wait before he returns to the main group after hurting his back.

Carlisle suffered a flare-up before Christmas and has had his preparation for the 2019 season hampered.

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The 27-year-old has managed hip and back issues over the past few years.

A Saints spokesperson confirmed Carlisle was expected to rejoin the main group in the coming weeks.

"Jake Carlisle is progressing positively following a back complaint," the spokesperson said.

"Carlisle, who has dealt with similar injuries before, is running well and will reintegrate with the main group over the coming weeks."

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The backman missed St Kilda's round 22 loss to Hawthorn in the week his son Nash was born, with his preparation obviously interrupted and not allowing him to prepare as he normally would.

He lined up in 17 games last year, missing two through suspension for striking Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt, one after suffering a punctured lung while having a sore rib treated and another when concussed by an errant left knee from Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe.