DEFENDER Sam Gilbert has been placed on St Kilda’s long-term injury list after news earlier this week that his foot injury is recovering slower than anticipated.

The 27-year-old was subbed out with a foot complaint in the Saints in round three clash against West Coast.  Scans later that week revealed he suffered severe bruising and soreness from the injury that he experienced in the pre-season, but didn’t require further surgery.

“It’s disappointing,” Richardson said.

“In terms of what he does for our team, he’s a really good player and we’ve good a pretty young group in the back half.

“We’ve been reasonably happy with Bruce and Delaney but certainly Gilbert’s form early for us was really strong, he’s a fantastic person around the footy club and he’s really good with his leadership.

“We’d rather have him out there but somebody will get an opportunity." 

Gilbert is likely to return to training in six to eight weeks after a period of rest and could return as early as round 17 when St Kilda takes on North Melbourne in Tasmania.

The Saints are yet to elevate a rookie-listed player in his place, and now have two senior spots available after young defender Nathan Wright was placed on the long-term injury list last week.

Eli Templeton is the only rookie to be elevated to St Kilda’s senior list this season but the injury-hampered forward is expected to miss three to four months with an arm fracture.

There are four remaining rookie-listed players that Gilbert and Wright could make way for, including Maverick Weller, Cameron Shenton, Darren Minchington and US recruit Jason Holmes.