Collingwood midfielder Josh Daicos remains in "a race against the clock" for Friday's blockbuster clash with Essendon as he continues to deal with a calf knock.
Daicos has dealt with soreness since suffering the ailment in the third term of last Saturday's loss to the Suns, with Daicos managing to see out the match but reported the issue in the wake of the result.
The club has since confirmed Daicos will need to pass training this week to face the Bombers, with his session on Wednesday failing to strengthen his selection prospects.
"Unknown at the moment, he's in a race against the clock," coach Craig McRae said of Daicos' chances.
"He still looks a little proppy for my eyes. I'm getting told we'll give him every opportunity.
"We'll give him every chance to get to the line. Time will tell, a bit more movement and treatment (is needed). He got a knock on the calf, that's what he's carrying at the moment."
Defender Brayden Maynard looks set to be given the green light after getting through Wednesday's session following a corked quad from last week's loss.
The Magpies are set to regain small forward Lachie Schultz following his bout of illness as Beau McCreery (calf) and defender John Noble (concussion) miss Round 17.
Fringe forward Joe Richards will likely come into the starting side against the Bombers after being the tactical sub against Gold Coast.
Ruckman Darcy Cameron is expected to shake off any concerns after copping a knee to the ribs at the club's main training session.
"Darcy got a knee in the ribs, I was right there. It didn't look good," McRae said.
"I thought 'Oh no, here we go'. But apparently he's fine, which is good news."
Sidelined forward Dan McStay has continued to build his chances of a late-season return after suffering an ACL injury last September.
The former Lion has been in full training for some time now and managed to catch the eye with a high-flying mark at Wednesday's session, with an eventual return through the VFL around the corner for the key forward.
"He came up to me after he took that mark and said 'Fly I'm ready'," McRae laughed.
"He's still got a few more things to tick off, he's not far away though. Anyone watching training can see he's really close."
The Magpies could move as high as third on the ladder - usurping the Bombers - should they claim their ninth win of the year at the MCG on Friday.