ST KILDA midfielder David Armitage faces the possibility of further surgery after a setback in his recovery from a groin operation.

Armitage, 28, is still in some discomfort after having adductor release surgery in late April.

He will see a specialist in the next few days, after which his return date will become apparent.

There is the possibility he will need to go under the knife again.

However, the Saints are adamant there is no concern he will miss the rest of the season.

Armitage had a career-best year in 2015, but was hampered the following pre-season by a back complaint which hindered his running.

He played every game in 2016 and averaged 21.7 disposals, well down on the 28.4 he managed per match the year before.

The Saint played in round one against Melbourne and returned against Collingwood in round four but didn't pull up well, and had an operation soon afterwards.

St Kilda added to its pool of onballers at the end of last season by adding Jack Steele from Greater Western Sydney and Koby Stevens from the Western Bulldogs.