Port Adelaide defender Jasper Pittard to miss 2-3 more weeks with hip flexor injury

PORT Adelaide defender Jasper Pittard is facing up to three more weeks on the sidelines as his hip flexor injury continues to torment him.

PORT Adelaide defender Jasper Pittard is facing as many as another three weeks on the sidelines as his hip flexor injury continues to torment him - and the Power selectors.

Pittard tonight will be unavailable for AFL selection for the fourth consecutive game, despite the Power expecting the fine-kicking defender to miss just one match.

This continues the trend of Pittard being cursed by injury and his rehabilitation from these setbacks.

"He is unfortunate with injuries," said Port coach Ken Hinkley today as he prepared for selecting his 25-man squad to face Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. "And with his history it is a concern.

"Jasper had his best pre-season ever - and we thought (his injury) would be just one match. It could be another two or three weeks."

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There is better news for young Power key forward John Butcher. Hinkley says the forward who is dubbed "the Future" is now "physically ready" to push for AFL selection.

"It's now about John having a solid game (with the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL)," Hinkley said.

"He needs 14-15 possessions, seven-to-eight marks and to contribute defensively."