Simon Black’s persistent groin injury could keep him out for a fourth consecutive match, with the midfield superstar revealing on Monday that he was ‘not that optimistic’ about returning against Port Adelaide this Sunday.

“At this stage I'm not that optimistic but we'll see how the week progresses,” Black told The Courier Mail.

Black has not played since pulling up sore from the Lions’ Round 14 clash against Hawthorn in Tasmania.

In his absence, the Lions have won three straight games – against Gold Coast, North Melbourne and Melbourne – to jump into 12th position on the AFL ladder.

Although Black’s value to the team is undisputed, the Lions’ ability to win without their midfield superstar is a sign of the Club’s growing maturity.

Stay tuned to lions.com.au on Tuesday afternoon for a full wrap of the Club’s injuries courtesy of the Bupa Recovery Report.