WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Jason Akermanis is unlikely to feature in the club's NAB Cup campaign after injuring his calf last week at training.

The 292-game veteran strained his left calf last Tuesday and, while still in the frame for round one of the 2009 premiership season, could have his pre-season disrupted by up to a month.

Bulldogs General Manager of Football James Fantasia told the Herald Sun that Akermanis' age and the nature of the injury would see the club take a cautious approach with his rehab.

"When you start talking about calf muscles, you've got to treat them preciously," Fantasia said.

The Dogs face a tough opening to the premiership season, travelling west twice in the first four weeks.

In round one, they take on Fremantle at Subiaco and repeat the trip in round four to play West Coast.

The strenuous start, and Akermanis' reduced pre-season, may blow out the target date for his 300th match which would have been pencilled in for the round eight contest with Melbourne.

"He's just had to lighten up from where he was," Fantasia said. "It's just slowed up his preparation now."

Akermanis, 31, will not make the trip to Darwin on February 13 for the Bulldogs' NAB Cup clash with Essendon.