North Melbourne rookie Matt McGuinness will be in a race against time to play again this season after a recurrence of a foot injury.

McGuinness sustained a Lisfranc injury to his left foot and needed an operation.

North GM football, Brady Rawlings, said McGuinness has already started rehabilitation.

“It’s unfortunate for Matty, as he was training well after coming back from a similar injury,” Rawlings said.

“There’s a very slight chance that he could get back with a week to go in the season but at this stage we will look to rehabilitate him and take a longer term view.

“He will return to the club and work with our rehab team with an aim to get back up and running soon.”