West Coast veteran Adam Selwood is battling an infection and faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Saturday’s AFL clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Selwood was forced to spend much of Friday on a drip in hospital after suffering an infection in his arm following the Eagles’ 10-point win over Carlton last Thursday.

The 28-year-old has since been released from hospital, and a club spokesman said Selwood would be further assessed over the coming days.

Selwood has been a consistent performer in defence this season, and his absence against the Magpies would be a significant blow.

West Coast will also be without rebounding defender Will Schofield (hamstring), but welcome back Beau Waters from suspension.

Defenders Ash Smith, Sam Butler and Mitch Brown are all waiting in the wings to earn recalls this week.

The Magpies are hopeful Ben Reid, Heath Shaw and Alan Toovey can all make their returns against West Coast.