COLLINGWOOD small forward Jamie Elliott will require ankle surgery and won't return to training until late January. 

It comes after Elliott left the track earlier on Friday with continuing soreness in his left ankle, as first reported by AFL.com.au.

The Magpies initially said scans were just precautionary ahead of Elliott's official return to pre-season training on Monday.

However, late on Friday the club confirmed the injury-plagued 25-year-old will be out of action for at least two months. 

"The injury was one Jamie played with late this year," Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh said in a statement.  

"The recommendation post-season was that with a spell from the rigours of playing and training the ankle would heal.   

"Unfortunately the healing process has been slower than expected and surgery is now appropriate. 

"We’re expecting to have Jamie back into the full training program by late January."

Having missed all of 2016 with back problems, Elliott played 17 games this year.

However, 2017 wasn't without injury concerns as he suffered ankle problems.

Elliott avoided reporters as he left the scanning centre through a side door.