Collingwood are in the dark about when star forward Jordan De Goey will return to the AFL after he was injured at training.
De Goey sent a massive scare through the Magpies on Friday morning when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest and went to ground, clutching his left ankle.
While two trainers had to help him from the field, the Magpies say scans have shown there is no serious damage.
They reported he suffered a mid-foot sprain and escaped damage to the ankle joints and ligaments.
But it puts De Goey in doubt for their pre-season games, with the Magpies to play Fremantle on March 4 and Carlton on March 11.
Collingwood's round one game is on March 22 against Geelong.
De Goey's left ankle will be in a moon boot for seven days.
"After that we should be able to determine how and when Jordy returns to the program," said Collingwood's football boss Geoff Walsh.
"He has escaped serious damage to the joint, which is the first thing.
"We'll let it settle and make the appropriate calls, in terms of rehab and a timeline, once he is back on the foot."
The 22-year-old goalsneak enjoyed a breakout season last year, kicking 48 goals in 21 games and playing a pivotal role in the Magpies' resurgence.
Twelve of his goals came during the finals series, including three in the five-point grand final loss to West Coast.
De Goey also missed two games late last season because of a lower leg injury.
His setback comes two days after North Melbourne defender Robbie Tarrant needed surgery after injuring his right AC joint during an intra-club hit out.
Reigning Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell has been the most serious pre-season casualty, suffering a broken leg that will sideline him for this season.
Newly-appointed Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty also needed another knee reconstruction after he played no games last season.
Australian Associated Press
