Collingwood have granted forward Andrew Krakouer four weeks of leave to deal with “personal issues”.

The 29-year-old, who was jailed for 16 months in 2008 for assault, has been granted the leave of absence in his best interests according to the AFL club’s director of football Geoff Walsh.

“Andrew is held in high regard at Collingwood and we look forward to his return to team training in due course,” Walsh said on the Magpies’ website.

“Andrew will be given a revised training program during this period, that will maintain his fitness and ball skills, but will not require him to be part of normal training sessions.

“He will be given every opportunity and support to put himself in a position to return to the senior squad and play a meaningful role in the clubs 2012 campaign.”

Krakouer joined the Magpies after a solid WAFL campaign for Swan Districts following his prison release.

He played 23 games for Collingwood last year, kicking 35 goals as the Magpies made the grand final.