ST KILDA key defender Sam Fisher will be out for at least two more weeks after again injuring his hamstring.
The veteran hurt the muscle last week at training, his second such injury this year.
Fisher, who turns 34 on Sunday, is out of contract at year's end but has said he wants to play on next season.
"Sam Fisher unfortunately had a bit of a relapse with his hamstring recovery last week at training," Saints football manager Jamie Cox told the club's website.
"He'll unfortunately miss another couple of weeks, maybe three."
Fisher has not taken to the field since the round 10 win over Fremantle. He hasn't managed more than 18 games in a season since 2011.
Absences in the backline have proven troublesome for coach Alan Richardson in 2016, with Hugh Goddard (Achilles) and Jake Carlisle (suspended) unavailable for the rest of the season.
Sean Dempster has been out since the round 11 clash with Adelaide after surgery on his right knee, but is a chance to face Essendon on Sunday evening at Etihad Stadium.