The Tigers released a statement on Thursday saying Yarran, who has yet to play a game for the club since his off-season move from Carlton, would be given time away from the club.

"With Chris' health and wellbeing the number one priority, no timeframe has been put on his return to football," the Tigers said in a statement.

"Chris, together with the club's medical and welfare staff, felt it was in his best interests to seek professional treatment away from the club.

"The club will continue to provide Chris with all the support he needs during this period."

The news comes after Fairfax Media reported that Yarran's future at the Tigers was in doubt. Yarran recently travelled to Perth to deal with a difficult family situation.

Fairfax Media understands Yarran's issues are personal and complex.

Brendon Gale told Fairfax Media earlier this month: "There's a fragility to Chris and we all understand that and we obviously knew this recent family news would hit hard."

Hardwick told reporters on Thursday that the course of action the club and Yarran have taken is part of a process that will hopefully see the dashing defender return to his exhilarating best.

"He's a great young fella," Hardwick said of Yarran at Punt Road Oval.

"He's a star ... He's going through some issues at the moment and we wish him all the best and we can't wait to have him back. He's an important part of our future.

"He's certainly a player that when he's on he can play and this is part of the process of getting him back to that player. So however long that takes, we're prepared to wait."

Hardwick said the club hadn't decided yet whether they would place Yarran on the long-term injury list in order to promote a rookie.