Second-year Melbourne midfielder Calb Windsor has spent time in hospital this week as he looks to overcome an infection that has ruled him out of Sunday's clash against North Melbourne.
Windsor had to deal with an infection late into the pre-season but was able to be available for last week's narrow loss to GWS.
Since the season opener, the Demons speedster has been battling a heel infection that has forced Windsor to the sidelines once again, with the teenager in hospital on antibiotics.
The setback is a frustrating one for the Melbourne young gun, however he isn't expected to be sidelined for the long-term, with the Demons hoping he's out of hospital in the coming days.
"It's a bit of a setback. He suffered an infection five weeks ago and he missed a bit of training a few weeks back," coach Simon Goodwin said.
"Post the game on the weekend he's got another infection in his heel. He's been in hospital having some antibiotics.
"It's all heading in the right direction and he should be out in the next day or so. He won't play this week but it's very short term and we've needed to make sure we get on top of that infection."
Windsor's absence adds to star defender Steven May's peculiar injury, with the premiership backman sustaining a fractured larynx on the eve of the new season.
Goodwin expressed his confidence that May won't require a lengthy period out of action like captain Max Gawn, who was sidelined for close to six weeks with a similar injury in the pre-season.
The Demons will have a better understanding of May's return timeframe after he visits a specialist this week.
"'Maysy' will see a specialist on Saturday and we'll have an update on where it sits from there," the Demons coach said.
"(It's) progressing really well now that he's got his voice back and he's speaking. He'll see that specialist and we'll get a bit more information and then we'll be able to share that.
"It's not as bad (as Gawn's setback), it's probably more shorter term than longer term."
The Demons have named their extended squad for Round 2, with premiership forward Charlie Spargo a chance to make his long-awaited return from a year-long battle with an Achilles injury.
Goodwin said it was exciting to have the 25-year-old back in the selection mix, with the Demons to decide on their final side at 5:00 pm (AEDT) on Friday.
"It's just great to have him available for selection," Goodwin said.
"He's put in a power of work over 12 months. We've missed and he's an important player from what he does on field and with his leadership and spirit.
"We'll get through training today and make a decision later."
Spargo is one of eight players listed on Goodwin's extended interchange for Sunday's meeting with the Kangaroos, with Trent Rivers, Daniel Turner, Bailey Laurie, Harvey Langford, Taj Woewodin, Jed Adams and Harry Sharp also named.
All of Turner, Laurie, Adams and Woewodin join Spargo as potential inclusions, with the Demons needing to make at least two changes from their Round 1 side to replace Windsor and Aidan Johnson (suspension).
Melbourne and North Melbourne will meet at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 3:20 pm.
