NORTH Melbourne's cautious approach to promising key forward Nick Larkey's foot injury will extend for another month.

AFL.com.au reported in late May that Larkey had developed a 'hot spot' in his left foot but at that stage the Kangaroos had not ruled him out for round two.

ROUNDS 2-5 Check out the full fixture

However, North football boss Brady Rawlings announced last week the 22-year-old would not face Greater Western Sydney and he is now out for at least another three or four weeks.

It's understood Larkey has not suffered a setback and the Roos are just choosing not to progress him until he reports no pain.

"Nick is going well with his rehabilitation but hasn't progressed to full training just yet," Rawlings said.

"We're confident he'll be back with the group in the next couple of weeks, and when that happens he'll need a couple of weeks of conditioning under his belt before he's considered for selection.

"We're always very cautious and conservative with any bone-related injury and will always take a long-term approach."

Larkey's former housemate, and club cult hero, Cam Zurhaar also had a shoulder scan but is fine to take on Sydney on Saturday.

Larkey has become a vital part of North Melbourne's forward line, offering another aerial target to relieve pressure off perennial Coleman Medal contender Ben Brown.

FANTASY FORM WATCH Big Roo turns back clock, Crow has to go

In a breakout 2019 season, he booted 26 goals in 17 games, including five each against St Kilda and Port Adelaide.

Larkey had a cardiac ablation at the end of last year after having heart palpitations on multiple occasions during games before doctors diagnosed him with SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia) but was training by mid-November.