Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall will miss at least a month of football after a decision was made to operate on his ongoing plantar fascia issue.

The 25-year-old left the ground early in St Kilda’s Friday night clash against the Cats after experiencing increasing pain.

After trying to manage the issue through conservative measures, a decision has been made to have surgery to allow a more complete recovery.

“This is a really frustrating injury to manage,” Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said.

“It can seem a bit like one step forward, two steps back, but that is the nature of this issue.

“The only thing we can do is support Rowan and give him the time he needs to recover.”

Midfielder Brad Crouch will also undergo surgery to address a fracture to his cheekbone and is expected to be available for selection this week.