Jamie Elliott will consult with a specialist next week after suffering a minor setback in his recovery from a back injury.

A pars defect injury has kept Elliott out of the Magpies’ line-up for the opening eight rounds of the 2016 season.

He was listed as ‘medium term’ on Collingwood’s injury list, before experiencing increased levels of discomfort after a training session last week.

“Jamie’s recovery has been spasmodic,” Director of Football Neil Balme told Collingwood Media on Tuesday.

“Last week he felt a little uncomfortable with it and next week he will see a specialist with the aim of looking at what, if anything, more can be done to resolve his back issue.”

Elliott has had a frustrating 2016 thus far and the 23 year-old has been a notable absentee in the Collingwood forward line. Elliott played arguably his best football in 2015 as he led Collingwood’s goal kicking tally with 35 majors.

According to Balme, a return to the field this year is still a possibility.

“We can’t be certain of that but we would like to think so,” Balme said.