Saints veteran Jarryn Geary has suffered a fractured leg, the club confirmed.
As first reported by AFL journalist Tom Browne on Friday, the 32-year old sustained the injury during an intraclub match at training earlier in the morning, with scans confirming the clean fracture.
He is expected to be running again in around six weeks.
“Unfortunately, X-rays confirmed a fracture, which means Jarryn will be sidelined for a number of weeks,” St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean told saints.com.au.
“Given his previous injuries, it’s obviously frustrating to encounter another setback. But the positive for Jarryn is that he’s been here before, and we have full faith he’ll attack his rehab with the same professionalism and intensity we know he brings.
“We had a number of guys step up last year and take their opportunities, and this year will be no different.”
Geary inked a new deal with the Saints last year that was set to take him into a 14th AFL season in 2021.
The defender returned to the field last season after missing most of 2019 with a serious leg injury.
Geary has played 204 games for the Saints, including 16 last season, since making his debut in 2008.
He has been captain of the club since 2017.