St Kilda defender Dougal Howard will miss the start of the 2025 season after the club confirmed their backman will undergo shoulder surgery, sideling him for close to three months.

Howard hurt his shoulder at training last week and underwent scans in the following days, with the Saints now detailing the extent of the setback.

The long-term recovery timeframe will put a line through Howard's chances of playing in the opening month of the home and away season, and likely further, in what is the latest blow for the Saints.

โ€œDougal will undergo surgery next week to secure the joint,โ€ St Kilda general manager David Misson said.

โ€œDougal is now looking at about 12 weeks of rehab, which is a significant period, but one we know he'll approach with professionalism.

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โ€œDoug's an important leader for our group and we know he'll continue to be influential in the lead up to the season and throughout the early rounds, despite not being on the field.โ€

Earlier this week St Kilda confirmed youngster Mattaes Phillipou will be sidelined for close to three months with a leg injury, while ruckman Rowan Marshall is no certainty for Round 1 as he deals with a pelvic issue.

Defender Hunter Clark (groin, 2-3 weeks), speedster Liam Henry (knee, 4-6 weeks), rookie Alix Tauru (back, 4-8 weeks) and midfielder Paddy Dow (knee, TBC) are also facing stints out of action following pre-season setbacks.

The Saints are scheduled to face Carlton and Port Adelaide as part of their pre-season fixture before a Round 1 meeting with Adelaide in South Australia on Sunday, March 16.