St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says injured forward Fraser Gehrig was always keen to keep playing in the AFL at some point this season.

On Tuesday, the Saints put Gehrig on the long-term injury list because of persistent hand and groin problems.

There was speculation that the Saints had to talk him out of immediate retirement, but Lyon said that was not the case.

He said Gehrig was "really keen" to work through his problems and so is the club.

Gehrig will now be out of action for at least eight weeks and Lyon said the key forward will go on a rehabilitation program.

In better news for the Saints, captain Nick Riewoldt seemed to move well at training as he recovers from a knee injury.

Riewoldt is some chance to play this weekend against Brisbane.

Lyon is also sure that top midfielder Luke Ball will be available, despite an ankle injury restricting him to light duties.

© 2008 AAP
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