Defender Sam Gilbert will miss St Kilda’s clash with Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Gilbert sustained a foot injury in the opening quarter of the Saints’ loss to West Coast and was subbed out of the match. Coach Alan Richardson appeared resigned to losing Gilbert for an extended period.

"It is the foot that he's had surgery on, so it looks like he's done some sort of damage to that," Richardson said, referring to a foot fracture which interrupted Gilbert’s 2014 pre-season.

"We're obviously hoping that it's a really significant scar-tissue injury, but that may not be the case.”

"Gilbert has been really good for us. He played on Jeremy Howe in Round One and (Jeremy) Cameron, an All Australian last, week and he's had one goal kicked on him, so he's been in really good form and he provides really strong leadership for our young guys.

"You are always going to miss those players."

Further scans on Sam Gilbert's foot have revealed no new structural damage to the previous injury experienced in the pre-season. Gilbert has severe bruising and soreness to his foot but will not require additional surgery.

St Kilda anticipates Gilbert to be sidelined with the injury for 4-6 weeks.

"While we were disappointed to have Sam aggravate his foot injury on the weekend, we are pleased that no new structural damage has been caused and look forward to his return soon," said St Kilda Head of Football Chris Pelchen.