Geelong coach Chris Scott has confirmed midfielder Cameron Guthrie will not return to the side for the Cats' preliminary final clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
Guthrie strained his calf during Geelong's 51-point loss to Richmond in the qualifying final and subsequently missed last week's win over Sydney.
The 25-year-old said earlier this week he was progressing well in his rehabilitation, however, he has been unable to prove his fitness for this week.
But Scott said Guthrie would be a certain inclusion if the cats win through to the grand final and he is fit to play.
"Cameron Guthrie won't play this week," Scott told reporters on Wednesday morning.
"If Guthrie was right for the following week, he would play because he's in our best 22."
Meanwhile, the Cats' coach also confirmed speedster Nakia Cockatoo, who has not played since Round 19 and has been hampered by hamstring issues all season, will be named in the 25-man squad.
"Cockatoo will be in the squad. He'll be on the plane, he'll be going to Adelaide," he said.
Geelong will have at least one change for the preliminary final, with defender Tom Lonergan set to return from illness, with Rhys Stanley the most likely player to make way.
