Port Adelaide defender Alipate Carlile has returned to pre-season training after being cleared of what was initially thought to be a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old failed to finish training early last week after experiencing severe pain in a leg during a running session.

General manager football Peter Rohde said that despite the symptoms and early concerns, scans have since confirmed there is no muscle damage.

“It was referred pain from his back which can often initially report very much the same as a hamstring strain,” Rohde said.

“But all the scans and everything have turned up negative for the hamstring.”

Carlile took part in a large section of Wednesday’s training session, moving freely during ball-work before ending with a series of boundary runs.

“He’s getting treatment on his back, and he’s now back running and training in the very short term,” Rohde said.

It had been feared Carlile would miss several weeks of pre-season preparation, but he is now expected to complete the Power’s next full training session on Friday.