Harley Bennell has suffered a minor strain to the calf in his left leg.

It is the opposite leg to which the 24-year-old has previously had calf problems with.

The club is confident that after treatment he should be available for selection in round one of the 2017 season.

General manager of football operations Chris Bond said that as part of Bennell’s treatment the club would continue to consult national and international soft tissue experts, including visiting a doctor regarded as a world leader in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

Bennell will travel to Munich to see Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfarht after he suffered the minor strain in his left calf at training last Friday.

Dr Muller-Wohlfarht has previously treated Collingwood’s Ben Reid and Geelong’s Max Rooke for soft tissue injuries.

“Harley will travel to Germany next month to consult Dr Muller-Wohlfarht and we are positive about him being available for selection in round one of the 2017 season,” Bond said.

Bond also confirmed that 2016 Doig Medallist Lachie Neale had a minor procedure on his right knee.

“It was a minor procedure and we expect Lachie to resume full training in early January and be available for selection in round one,” Bond said.