West Coast Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy has had minor clean up surgery on an ankle issue that has caused him some discomfort during the first phase of pre-season training.

The dual Coleman medallist had the operation on Wednesday and will be on a graduated program as he builds back towards full training.

Craig Vozzo, General Manager – Football, said it was a minor setback that would impact the star forward’s training output when the squad resumes from January 8. All players and staff today began their Christmas break.

“Unfortunately, with JK we’ve encountered a problem with his lower ankle, so he’s had some surgery to clean that up,” Vozzo said.

“It’s only minor, but it’s a bit of a setback which will affect his training, obviously presently, but into the New Year.

“He’s going to undertake a graduated program through January and February then we will see where we’re at, at the end of that period.

“It’s likely to affect his ability to be available for our JLT game in February. Our aim is to have him right to go in March.”

While Kennedy is recovering post surgery, several other senior players are also on the mend – including wingman Lewis Jetta (calf), key defender Eric Mackenzie (foot), John Worsfold medallist Elliot Yeo (hip) and ruckman Nic Naitanui (knee).

“Unfortunately Jetts has had a few calf strains over the past 12-18 months,” Vozzo explained.

“It was a soleus strain, only a minor one, and he’s already started doing some walk-jog. So he’ll be right and ready to go in the New Year.

“Eric had toe surgery, but he is gradually building up the kilometres and he’s getting on the track now and at faster pace. He’ll continue to do a fair bit of work over the break – the Christmas period – and hopefully he’ll be able to do more and more through January.

“It’s fantastic for the football club and Elliot that he’s committed long-term contractually, but he’s had a bad week with some gastro. He was in a graduated program with his hip, but it hasn’t set him back too far. We will see a lot more of him in the New Year.

“Nic’s going well; it’s all to plan at the moment. It’s a graduated build up. We don’t see any rush to have Nic available in December.

“He’s doing more and more footy training with the group and away from the group and we expect that to continue in a graduated way in terms of build up through January.”