SAM Wright's horror run of injury has continued, with a foot injury set to sideline the North Melbourne defender for up to eight weeks.
Wright had been due to return from an ankle injury next round, but North announced on Monday afternoon he had suffered a "low-level stress reaction" in his foot that would sideline him for six to eight weeks.
"Scans confirmed there was a minor issue with his sesamoid (bone) following the surgery to his syndesmosis (ankle)," North high performance consultant Steve Saunders said.
"We picked this problem up nice and early and Sam will now have a slower than initially expected recovery period. We are taking a very measured approach to his rehabilitation and will graduate his over-ground running loads in the coming weeks.
"Our focus has always been on making sure he returns fully fit and is able to have a significant impact."
Wright, 26, was plagued by ankle injuries last season and has not played a senior game since round 11, 2016.
After undergoing surgery on both ankles at the end of last year, he returned for North's final JLT game against Greater Western Sydney, but has not played since taking part in a VFL practice match the following week.
North Melbourne injury list
Mitchell Hibberd (concussion) test
Ben Jacobs (foot) 2-3 weeks
Jarrad Waite (AC joint) 2-3 weeks
Sam Wright (ankle/foot) 6-8 weeks
Oscar Junker (tibia) 7-9 weeks
Paul Ahern (knee) season*
