Star St Kilda veteran Nick Riewoldt has been ruled out of Friday night's match against Adelaide, with his recovery from a knee injury slower than expected.
The Saints are hopeful the 34-year-old spearhead, who missed last week's 40-point loss to the Western Bulldogs with bone bruising, will be available to face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium next Friday night.
"Nick has been recovering from a knee knock and won't get up this weekend unfortunately," Saints football boss Jamie Cox said on Monday.
"He's progressing pretty well and we fully expect him to be available the week after, but we've already ruled Nick out for this weekend against the Crows."
Riewoldt remains a key contributor in his 17th season for the Saints, who are 10th with five wins and five losses.
Adelaide Oval hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Riewoldt or the Saints.
In six matches at the venue - three against Adelaide and three against Port Adelaide - St Kilda are yet to register a win, while Riewoldt was hospitalised after a sickening head clash with Crow Brodie Smith in 2015.
Fellow veteran David Armitage remains unlikely to return until late in the season, having undergone a second round of groin surgery.
"Dave Armitage is on the bike and riding after his recent surgery," Cox said.
"He's still six to seven weeks away Dave, but going well and will start running in a couple of weeks."
Defender Jimmy Webster is a chance to return after a fortnight on the sidelines with a broken hand but must get through Wednesday's main training session.
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