PORT Adelaide has lost pivotal defender Jackson Trengove for the rest of the pre-season.

The key backman’s wretched run with injury took another turn after he was advised by doctors to have surgery this week on his left shoulder.

The 2011 joint club champion reported soreness after he fell awkwardly in a marking contest at training last Friday.

Scans revealed a need for immediate repair.

Power head of high performance Darren Burgess said while Trengove was not expected to be available before Port’s round-one clash with Fremantle on April 5, he would resume running within 10 days.

“We expect Jackson should be able to maintain his fitness, to a large degree, as he’ll be able to do most of the team running over the pre-season,” Burgess said.

“He does have very good recuperative powers and he does everything right in terms of his rehab so we’re hopeful of a speedy recovery.”

The 24-year-old has emerged last season as one of Port’s most important players.

He missed four games as he recovered from ankle surgery following injury during the round 15 Showdown against Adelaide.

With Trengove unavailable, the Power went 1-3 with a sole win against just lowly Melbourne.

If Trengove can rebound in time for Port’s season-opener he will remain on track to play his 100th game against Sydney in round two at Adelaide Oval.

Originally published as Injury blow for Power’s Trengove