Even if he recovers in time for selection in the season curtain raiser at Etihad Stadium on October 5, it's an unfortunate setback for the Argentine as he seeks to earn a place in new coach John Aloisi's side

Heart football operations chief John Didulica told au.fourfourtwo.com: “In last week's practice match, in the last minute, he twisted his ankle pretty innocuously.

“At first with the amount of pain he was in we feared it could be worse but as it turns out it's looking like four to six weeks out with a ligament strain.

“It's not ideal but we're pretty lucky to be well stocked in his position. He's touch and go for Round 1.”