Collingwood says forward Andrew Krakouer will return

COLLINGWOOD has denied suggestions Andrew Krakouer has walked out on the club, insisting he will return to training this week.

Andrew Krakouer celebrates a goal

COLLINGWOOD has denied suggestions Andrew Krakouer has walked out on the club, insisting the forward has told coach Nathan Buckley he will return to training this week.

Krakouer was dropped from the match against Melbourne today and did not play in the VFL on Saturday, sparking speculation about his future.

The club confirmed last night the 30-year-old had been given time to deal with a personal matter in his home state of Western Australia.

Krakouer called Buckley on Saturday to assure him he would return as soon as he sorted out the matter.

"He hasn't been at the club for a few days because he has got an issue back home that he has been sorting through," Collingwood spokesman Stephen Reilly said.

"He had a long chat to Bucks to explain the situation and he had a chat to the doctor today (Sunday).

"He has told them he will be back at training this week, but he is not sure exactly which day it will be just yet."

At a press conference yesterday, Buckley said the club was "managing" Krakouer, who was a surprise omission from the Magpies' line-up after gathering 14 disposals in the 49-point win over the Brisbane Lions last Friday week.