Jake Carlisle will have surgery later this week to relieve pressure on a nerve in his lower back caused by a disc protrusion.

A consultation with a specialist yesterday confirmed surgery was the best treatment method for the 27-year-old.

Carlisle will be sidelined for six weeks before beginning a rehabilitation program that is expected to take several months.

General Manager of Football Simon Lethlean said it was disappointing to lose such an important player.

“When he’s playing well, we know Jake is one of the best defenders in the game, so it’s obviously disappointing not to have him available,” Lethlean said.

“Given he hasn’t been able to train with any intensity since Christmas we were able to prepare for the start of the season knowing he would likely be missing, but unfortunately he will now miss a considerable amount of football.

“Guys like Josh Battle and Darragh Joyce have stepped up over the summer and will get their opportunity which is exciting.

“Thankfully with Dylan Roberton back, joined by the likes of Jarryn Geary, Jimmy Webster and Nathan Brown, we have good experience in our backline that will be able to help fill the void.”