King , whose combination with Michael Gardiner in the ruck has been one of many success stories for the Saints so far in 2009, sustained the injury in last week’s win over Port Adelaide.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said he would not take any risks with the former Geelong captain this week.
“It’s really low-grade. We’ll assess him as he goes. We’ve ruled him out this week just to clarify any expectations this week,” Lyon said.
The news is more encouraging for teammate Koschitzke who is still in the mix for selection.
Lyon said he had been encouraged by Koschitzke’s progress after he suffered a hamstring injury against Fremantle a fortnight ago.
“He is certainly a chance. He trained on Monday, he’ll train today as part of his rehabilitation program. We’ll give him every chance. It is a possibility but it is not a certainty,” he said.
If Koschitzke is not available, the Saints have plenty of options to call up. Jason Blake played part of the Port Adelaide game in the ruck while young big man Ben McEvoy has been in good form for Sandringham in the VFL.
Lyon said his team’s good run with injuries was a reason for its 5-0 start to the season but the Saints’ depth could only be tested once players started missing games.
“We haven’t had to make too many changes. We’ve only played 24 which is a really good run. That question is yet to be answered,” he said.
“Injuries and suspensions are a fact of life in the AFL and when it occurs I will be able to give you a better answer.”
Lyon said he had reiterated to those knocking on the door of selection that they had to be ready to slot straight into the side.
“What I say to all the seconds is that you want to be ready to go and when an opportunity comes up you want to make sure you are the one who puts their hand up and ready to take it and be able to come in and contribute to the team,” he said.
The undefeated Saints are leading the league in several statistical categories but Lyon was not getting carried away.
“I don’t really look at the numbers,” Lyon said. “We’ve got a game to win and we certainly have no level of complacency.
“We’re clearly focussed on the actions we are going to have to reproduce against what is a quality outfit and a team that almost got into the grand final [last year].”
