CHARLIE DIXON will miss around a month of football in rehabilitation after causing minor damage to his left meniscus - which is cartilage in the knee - at training on Monday.
Dixon successfully underwent surgery on Tuesday and will spend 4-6 weeks in recovery.
The Power is confident the 202cm recruit will play in the NAB Challenge, although will be unlikely to play against Sydney in its first match in Blacktown on February 20.
Port Adelaide head of high performance Darren Burgess said Dixon should recover from the setback.
Dixon is expected to be available to make his Port Adelaide debut against St Kilda on Easter Sunday in the opening round of the 2016 season.
“His operation was pretty straightforward and we’ll be able to get him through his rehab by the end of the NAB Challenge,” Burgess told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“He actually got through the whole session, but felt sore when he came off the track and we opted to get it scanned.
“It was in his best interests to get it tidied up now, rather than risk further damage when the season starts.
“He should be available for the NAB Challenge at some point, but our priority is obviously about making sure he’s ready to go for Round 1.”
Port Adelaide plays St Kilda in the Opening Round of the 2016 AFL Premiership Season at the Adelaide Oval on Easter Sunday 27 March.
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