Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer is facing a long spell out of the AFL after suffering a serious knee injury.

Krakouer was playing in a VFL practice match against Geelong at Simmonds Stadium on Saturday when he limped from the field.

The Magpies later confirmed he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

“It is extremely disappointing for Andrew and the club that this injury has occurred,” Collingwood football director Geoff Walsh said in a statement.

“Andrew will meet with the surgeon over the next few days to discuss the surgery and rehabilitation process.”

Krakouer surprisingly returned to the club this week after Collingwood gave him four weeks off to deal with personal issues.

Forward Brent Macaffer needed a knee reconstruction after suffering a similar injury last Saturday in a pre-season game against the Western Bulldogs.

Alan Didak (abductor muscle) and Ben Johnson (hamstring) also hurt themselves earlier this month in training.

AAP