North Melbourne key forward Robbie Tarrant will remain on a restricted training program due to early signs of a high tibial stress reaction.

Director of Football Geoff Walsh said despite his heavily modified training loads this pre-season, early signs of the problem that kept Tarrant on the sidelines for nine weeks in early 2013, have presented again.

“Unfortunately we know from what we experienced with Robbie last year, that we’re dealing with a similar situation,” Walsh told NMFC.com.au.

“However, it’s nowhere near as severe this time around and thankfully our medical team has identified the symptoms early, allowing us to take a very proactive approach with his training and treatment.

“Like last year, we will be very cautious and won’t be playing Robbie until he is fully fit and ready.”

Tarrant played ten straight games last season after re-joining the team in Round 14. He is unlikely to be available for North in the first few weeks of the new season with this latest setback.

“Robbie is obviously frustrated by this, but is a man of great character and he will no doubt push hard to get into the team as early as possible,” Walsh added.