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COLLINGWOOD looks likely to be without spearhead Anthony Rocca until at least after the mid-season break, with coach Mick Malthouse declaring the veteran "won't be back in the immediate future" following his late withdrawal from Monday's game.

Rocca, 30, has played only seven games this year after being troubled by ankle and soreness issues.

He was named to return against Melbourne on Monday, but was a late omission owing to further problems with his troublesome ankle as well as illness.

Malthouse ruled Rocca out of returning next week against Carlton, and went as far to say the forward is more than likely to miss the weekend after as well.

"He probably wouldn't have played today regardless of his ankle," Malthouse said after the game.

"He was as crook as a dog yesterday, and hopefully he got that off his baby and isn't going to spread it through the football club.

"His ankle hasn't come up. We feel now that we need to get him right. I'm not going to put a week number on it, but he's not going to be playing next week. The week after we play the Bulldogs and he'll be assessed, but he probably won't (play)."

That forecast means Rocca won't be available to play until the Pies' round 14 clash with Sydney at ANZ Stadium, which falls on the second weekend of the split round.

Malthouse said ensuring the veteran is ready to go at full fitness instead of playing him hampered by the complaint is the club's aim.

"We'll make sure he's right to play instead of get him in sore and then back him off," he said.

"He needs to be able to train flat-out. He has a massive heart and can do all that sort of stuff, but we need him right."

Young gun Scott Pendlebury was the club's other late withdrawal from Monday's win over Melbourne, with the midfielder missing with back soreness.

"We didn't think he'd get through the game," Malthouse said, adding that he "doesn't know" if the 20-year-old will be available for next Sunday's showdown with the Blues.