Collingwood have a trio of players needing to prove their fitness in the coming days to be cleared fit to play against Sydney on Sunday at the MCG.
The Magpies are hopeful of adding former captain Scott Pendlebury back into their lineup in Round 8 after the veteran midfielder was sidelined last week due to an eye injury sustained on Anzac Day.
After undergoing surgery on the ailment, Pendlebury will take part in full contact training this week and will be assessed prior to the Swans clash, with the club expecting the 35-year-old to lace up the boots.
Versatile tall Nathan Kreuger will also be assessed later this week after copping a knock to the ribs against Adelaide on Sunday, with the former Cat subbed out of the one-point victory in the opening half.
In good news for Kreuger, scans have since cleared him of any damage and he will remain in contention for selection for Round 8.
Defender Nathan Murphy will also be monitored across the coming days after suffering a blow to the head in a marking contest with Crows forward Darcy Fogarty last weekend. While Murphy has avoided a concussion, the club will assess the backman prior to the weekend before making a call on his selection status.
Murphy was sidelined for his side's Round 6 clash with Essendon due to concussion before returning to play against Adelaide.
Collingwood have confirmed young ruckman Aiden Begg is fit to play this weekend for the first time in 2023, having battled a back injury across the course of the year so far.
While the Magpies are in need of a recognised ruckman, Begg may suit up for Collingwood's VFL outfit this weekend against Williamstown. Second-year midfielder Arlo Draper has also been cleared to play following a battle with concussion.
Both Mason Cox (spleen) and Darcy Cameron (knee) remain some time away from returns, however Cox is progressing well and requires one more consultation with a specialist to be cleared for contact training.
Collingwood will host Sydney at the MCG on Sunday afternoon at 3:20pm (AEST) as they look to retain their place atop the AFL ladder.