Fremantle defender Alex Pearce has injured his right leg during a running session at the club on Friday.

Scans and further assessments on Monday confirmed a partial fracture to the leg he broke in last year’s round 9 clash against Richmond at Domain Stadium.

General manager of football operations, Chris Bond said the injury would not require surgery.

“Alex won’t need to undergo any surgery to the leg, however he will be required to wear a weight-bearing cast for six weeks to maximize his rehabilitation,” Bond said.

“It’s just an unfortunate incident that happened during a standard running session with our rehab group.”

“Alex is in good spirits despite the set-back, and he and our medical team are focused on ensuring he has an impact in the 2017 season.”

Taken with pick 37 in the 2013 NAB AFL National Draft, Pearce made his debut for Fremantle in round six of the 2015 AFL season, going on to play 13 games that year.

In 2016, the 197cm defensive prospect played eight games as a key defender, before being sidelined with injury.