PORT Adelaide key defender Jackson Trengove will miss up to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his ankle on Wednesday afternoon.
Trengove injured his right ankle just before half-time in the Power's 23-point loss to Adelaide last Sunday.
Scans revealed more damage than was initially hoped and, after consultation with a specialist, surgery was deemed the best option.
Port head of high performance Darren Burgess told portadelaidefc.com.au Trengove wouldn't risk an early return.
“It’s very disappointing news for Jackson, but his scan results showed up worse than we were hoping and the specialist recommended he undergo surgery late [Wednesday] afternoon,” Burgess said.
“Unfortunately he’s looks as though going to miss over a month.
“We’re hoping he’ll be back in 5-6 weeks, but we’ll obviously be in a better position to make a call on his return as we get closer to the end of his rehab."
Trengove will join fellow defender Alipate Carlile on the sidelines, who was ruled out for up to three weeks with a strained hamstring.
The injuries couldn't come at a worse time for the Power, which are embarking on a crucial month o ffootball to keep their top-four hopes in tact.
After losing to the Crows last weekend, Port surrendered top spot for the first time since round seven, with Hawthorn surging to first on the ladder after smashing Gold Coast. The Swans are in third spot, equal on points with the Hawks and Power.
Port has now suffered two losses in its past three games and encounters three bottom-eight sides before facing four top-eight teams in its final five games.
Director of coaching Shaun Hart said returning to the winner's circle on Saturday night against Essendon was vital.
"We lost a close game to Sydney, they're a very good team and then we lost on the weekend – so reality says we've lost two out of the last three," Hart said.
"All of a sudden we're right in amongst it … we're not two games clear, we're back with another two teams on top of the ladder.
"This month ahead of us will probably determine, I think, a fair bit of what we look like coming into the latter part of the season and whether or not we're a real chance for a top-four spot.”
Young defender Tom Clurey is likely to be recalled to the senior line-up in the absence of Carlile and Trengove, after making his AFL debut in round one.
At 193cm, the 20-year-old has the size to match key forwards but his endurance and skills make him a tough opponent to match up on.
"He definitely adds a real bonus, Tom, because he's a great ball user as well," Hart said.
"He can run and run all day and he can use the ball really well on both sides of his body.
"Certainly [he] doesn't have the experience of the other two guys we lose have got, but that's the nature of the game.
"We've got to get on with the job and make sure we get the job done."
