ST KILDA's Sam Gilbert has escaped surgery but will still miss four to six weeks after aggravating his foot injury on Saturday against West Coast.

Gilbert fractured his foot during the pre-season but made a strong recovery and played in the opening round. 

Scans revealed there was no new structural damage to Gilbert's previous injury but he will still need rest and rehabilitation to recover from severe bruising and soreness. 

St Kilda's head of football Chris Pelchen said although the news was not good, it was more positive than it might have been. 

"While we were disappointed to have Sam aggravate his foot injury on the weekend, we are pleased that no new structural damage has been caused and look forward to his return soon," Pelchen said.

Gilbert had been in good form in the first two games but had to be subbed off early in the Saints' loss to West Coast. 

He played just nine games in 2013 after hyperextending his knee.