Sydney Swans midfielder Craig Bird has a stress fracture to his foot and will be sidelined for approximately 10-12 weeks.

Bird will not require surgery but he won’t be able to resume running for approximately six weeks.

This is not an injury sustained in a game or at training, but a build-up over time, and discomfort this week led to him having tests which revealed the fracture.

“Whilst this is obviously not ideal, we know Craig will be back sometime in the front half of the season,” coach Paul Roos said today.

“Craig has had a great pre-season prior to this injury which makes this particularly disappointing for him and the Club.

“At least this setback has happened early in the year so he will still have an opportunity to get back into the team and have a good season.”

Bird explains how tough the news was today.

“I am disappointed to have done the whole pre-season and get an injury at this point but I just have to stay positive,” Bird said.

“I am told to stay off my foot for a while and I am just looking forward to getting back in the early part of the year.”