SAM GILBERT could emerge as a surprise inclusion for St Kilda in Saturday night's clash with Melbourne after overcoming a fractured foot sustained early last month. 

However, defender Sam Fisher has been ruled out of the game with the back tightness that required a facet joint injection on Monday, and may also miss the Saints' round two clash with Greater Western Sydney on March 29. 

Gilbert, 27, had a screw inserted in the metatarsal bone in his left foot last month after injuring it at training. 

It was expected at the time he would be out for six weeks, ruling him out of two NAB Challenge games and subsequent practice matches.  

But in a positive move for the Saints, who have been hit by a surge of injuries and suspensions for their season opener at Etihad Stadium, it is believed Gilbert is rated a chance to play against the Demons. 

He didn't factor in Sandringham's VFL practice match on Saturday, which afforded match time for Jack Billings, Seb Ross, Luke Delaney, Josh Bruce and Trent Dennis-Lane.

However, Gilbert is not on the Saints' injury list and his position will be discussed at match committee this week. 

Fisher has been listed as one to two weeks away from playing while Adam Schneider's back injury suffered against Port Adelaide is set to keep him out for four weeks. 

Schneider is not expected to be able to train until next month as he overcomes the severe bruising suffered when he was kneed in the lower back during the in the practice game. 

The Saints will be without veteran midfielders Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna, with both to sit out with one-week suspensions, for the clash with the Demons. 

Best-and-fairest winner Jack Steven is bearing weight through the foot he fractured earlier this month but remains four weeks away from resuming. 

Eli Templeton is expected to be elevated to the senior list this week to replace Lewis Pierce, who is facing another two months out with a stress fracture in his back.  

While Billings is a chance to make his AFL debut after a strong showing in the VFL practice match on Saturday and Luke Dunstan is expected to play, the Saints' third draftee from last year, Blake Acres, remains some time away. 

The West Australian midfielder will miss another two to three weeks with a foot injury.