St Kilda midfielder Jade Gresham will be sidelined for an extended period due to a stress fracture in his lower back.

Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said the midfielder would miss a number of weeks that could potentially rule him out for the remainder of 2020.

“Jade reported soreness in his back following Monday night’s game against Geelong, with scans unfortunately showing signs of a stress fracture,” Lethlean said.

“It is disappointing for the club and for Jade personally, but the best course of action is an extended period of rest.

“He has been developing well this season as a more permanent midfielder and now that responsibility will fall to others to fill the void.

“Thankfully, the injury has been discovered relatively early but until a period of rest is completed and scans are re-done in six or so weeks, then we will need to treat it conservatively.

“We will work with Jade in the coming days to determine whether he remains with the team or returns home to Melbourne to complete his recovery.”