The injury-plagued youngster registered just two AFL games last year for Port and will miss a month of pre-season training away from the main group.
Hitchcock has suffered shoulder and hamstring injuries since entering the AFL and is aiming to be ready for the start of the NAB Cup series, according to Port Adelaide's football manager Peter Rohde.
Port will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2012, Hitchcock’s woes add to their injury list of Robbie Gray (knee), John Butcher (hip), Daniel Stewart (hip) and Brent Renouf (knee) who are recovering from surgeries.
Rohde said Hitchcock wouldn’t be able to run for two weeks and isn’t expected to join the main group again for a month.
“He has had plantar fascia soreness in the last week,” Rohde told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“He managed training on Monday but is still sore and we’ve planned to have him undergo surgery.
“He won’t run for two weeks and will resume full training after about four.
“We think it’s likely he’ll be available for the opening week of the NAB Cup.”
Port Adelaide open their 2013 season with a NAB Cup clash against St Kilda and Adelaide on February 17.