In-form Eagles forward Jack Darling will be sidelined for at least the next month after suffering an ankle injury on Saturday night.

West Coast feared the worst when the 25-year-old went to ground clutching his kicking leg following a marking contest late in the opening quarter of the Eagles’ clash with St Kilda at Optus Stadium.

But general manager of football Craig Vozzo said the club and Darling were both somewhat relieved upon learning that he had sustained a hairline fracture and some ligament damage to his right ankle.

“After initially fearing the worst, we’ve received some reasonably positive news from our doctors, all things considered,” Vozzo said.

“He’ll be out for probably a four- to six-week period, so factoring in the bye he hopefully won’t miss too much football.

“Jack is a real professional in how he approaches all facets of his football, so we’ve got every confidence that’ll he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”

The West Coast Eagles will release its full St John of God Health Care Injury Update on Thursday.