JACK Trengove will wear a protective boot for the next six weeks after scans revealed the early onset of a stress fracture in the left foot.

Due to Jack requiring a period of non-weight bearing, he will not travel with the team to the nine day training camp in Darwin.

Melbourne Football Manager Josh Mahoney said "This is clearly a disappointing setback for Jack. The positive element to this is that the stress fracture was identified early, which will allow Jack to begin his rehab immediately.

"We expect Jack to be able to begin his running program in January. His rehab will be continually assessed but at this stage we are hopeful that he'll be available for the start of the AFL season.