Collingwood key defender Ben Reid is set to return after their bye but forward Jamie Elliott remains in a moon boot, with his return date unclear.
Elliott injured his ankle during the Magpies’ round 11 win over Fremantle, bringing a halt to his impressive run of form.
The 24-year-old missed all of last year with a back injury and didn’t play his first game this season until round four due to a pre-season ankle complaint.
Football boss Geoff Walsh says the Magpies are unlikely to have a clear update on Elliott until next week.
“We expect him to come out of that boot at some time after the resumption of training on Monday, and the doctors will have a good look at it then,” Walsh said on Wednesday.
“At this stage, while it is in the boot, it is in a state of flux.”
In better news for the Magpies, Reid (quad) is in line to face Port Adelaide next week, while Travis Varcoe (hamstring) is a chance to join him.
“Travis will do some work over the bye to continue his rehab with his hamstring,” Walsh said.
“In the last six or seven days, he has shown some good improvement and we would expect that if it is not the Port Adelaide round, then we would be looking at the week after that.”
Midfield recruit Daniel Wells is listed as three to four weeks away from a return, having strained his calf against the Dockers.
Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) is expected to return for the Magpies’ round 15 clash with Hawthorn.