MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: (L-R) Anthony Scott, Ryan Gardner and Taylor Duryea of the Bulldogs celebrate during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 19, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs key defender Ryan Gardner is reportedly slated to return from injury in time for his side's Thursday night clash with the Brisbane Lions, while Adam Treloar and Rory Lobb will undergo fitness tests to determine their statuses.

Gardner has been recovering from elbow surgery and missed the Dogs' opening pair of matches against the Demons and Saints, respectively.

According to AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich, the important defender has recovered in time to make a Thursday night return.

Pertaining to midfielder Treloar (hamstring) and key forward Lobb (ankle), the pair are racing the clock to be fit in time to play in the crunch clash at Marvel Stadium and will undergo fitness tests on Tuesday to determine their availability.

The Western Bulldogs are 0-2 this season after losses to Melbourne and St Kilda, while the Lions are even at 1-1 after their first win of the season last week against the Demons.

Thursday night's clash is set to kick off at 7:20 PM AEDT.