ELITE performance manager Dave Misson has clarified the position surrounding key forward Mitch Clark’s foot injury.

Clark, who played the opening four matches this season, has been sidelined for the past seven rounds with a serious foot injury. But Misson said the club is “really happy with where Mitch’s foot is at”.

“The surgeons and the specialists that we’ve had to have a look at Mitch’s foot have been very positive about the Lisfranc joint,” he told melbournefc.com.au. 

“It’s an injury that just needs a bit of time, and that’s something that we want to give Mitch, because it is a very important rehab for a unique and serious injury.

“The period of time that he probably needs before he starts running is something that we’re going to give him as much as we can. Once he does start running into rehab, we expect he’s going to make a full recovery.”

But Misson said a definitive timeframe had not been given on Clark.

“When he’s going to be back, we’re not 100 per cent sure, but we’re conscious that this is really a career defining rehab for Mitch,” he said.

 “We can’t put a time on when he’ll be back, but we’re really confident that he’s going to overcome this injury and be back to full capacity.”

Misson said another key forward, Chris Dawes, who suffered an ankle injury against Collingwood at the MCG last Monday, was a chance to play immediately after this week’s bye.

“He had a high ankle sprain during the game and was subbed out,” he said.

“Chris had a scan yesterday (Tuesday) - he saw a specialist this morning (Wednesday) and both have been really positive feedback for us.

“He’s not going to do much this week, but we hope that he’ll get onto the track in the lead up to the St Kilda game, and be available for that game.”

Defender James Frawley is another in line to play against the Saints, after he missed the Queen’s Birthday loss with a hamstring injury.

“He’s actually going really well in rehab,” Misson said.

“He’s done a couple of very good running sessions, and he’s a sneaky chance for the St Kilda game.

“We’re really pleased with the way he’s tracking at the moment.”

Backman Joel Macdonald, who withdrew from last round with a foot injury, could also be in the mix for Melbourne’s next match on June 22.

“He unfortunately had an accident in the gym, where he dropped a 50kg dumbbell on his big toe and cracked his big toe,” Misson said.

“It’s still a bit sore, but the advice that we’ve had is that it should get better reasonably quickly.

“It’s really just going to be how Joel goes with running, but we’d expect him to play in our next game, which is round 13.”

Young gun Jack Viney remains two to three weeks away with a toe injury.

“Jack’s started running. He’s got no soreness in that toe, so he’s worked really hard on his rehab,” Misson said.

“We expect him to come to hand pretty quickly, but he’s going to be probably at least a couple of weeks.

“He needs to do some work on the track to get himself right to play.”

Co-captain Jack Grimes has been earmarked for a return against the Sydney Swans on July 7. 

“He’s on the long-term [injury] list and he’s due to come back in round 15,” Misson said.

“He saw the surgeon on the weekend and had a really positive report from the surgeon and he’s been doing some fantastic work in rehab, from a running point of view.

“We’ll start him with some contact in a couple of weeks, so he should be right for round 15.”