Fremantle defender Roger Hayden has suffered another injury setback and could be sidelined until midway through next year's AFL season.

Hayden, who is 30 next month, needed surgery on Monday for a fracture in his left foot after the injury did not recover as well as expected.

He will be on crutches for up to two months.

"At this stage on medical advice, we believe that Roger should be available early to midway through the 2011 season," said Dockers football manager Chris Bond.

Hayden played 23 of Fremantle's 24 games this season for a career total of 125.

But injuries restricted him to only eight senior games last year and he started this pre-season wearing a foot brace.

When fit, Hayden is a top backman who gives Fremantle plenty of run out of defence.

In early September, Hayden signed a contract extension to the end of next season.

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