Midfielder Luke Dunstan is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Saturday’s practice match at Punt Road.

Dunstan left the ground late in the second term with scans on Sunday confirming the extent of the injury.

Head of Football David Rath said early indications suggested the 25-year-old would miss a significant part of the season.

“Unfortunately Luke will require surgery to repair the tear and will likely miss a large proportion of the season,” Rath said.

“Despite not being part of the AFL side on Saturday, Luke is an important part of our midfield group and it’s a blow to lose him for an extended period.”

Rath said Zak Jones would be monitored this week after leaving the field with hamstring tightness during the win over Richmond.

“Thankfully it isn’t anything major with Zak and we will wait to see how it settles this week before deciding on his selection against Carlton.”

In other injury news at the Saints, Paddy Ryder was a late withdrawal from the AFL side with soreness, while Jimmy Webster was also managed, meaning he missed Saturday’s practice match at Punt Road.

Both are expected to push for selection this week, while Jarryn Geary will also resume full training in a bid to return in Round 5.