ST KILDA'S Sam Gilbert is likely to miss the first part of the home and away season after being sidelined by a stress fracture in his left foot.
The 27-year-old recently had surgery on his metatarsal bone and had a screw inserted after being injured during a training drill.
Gilbert is certain to miss the Saints' NAB Challenge matches against the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney and the practice game against Port Adelaide.
"It's disappointing for Sam, particularly because he has had a solid pre-season to date," St Kilda's head of football, Chris Pelchen, told saints.com.au.
"But he is anticipated to recommence training in approximately six weeks, with his availability for round one of the AFL season still to be determined."
Gilbert missed a large part of last season after suffering a knee injury against Collingwood in round six.
He returned to feature in the last three matches of the Saints' ill-fated campaign.
