Collingwood could be without captain Darcy Moore for the club's season opener against St Kilda in early March.
Moore remains at least three weeks away with an ongoing calf issue that has interrupted his summer program.
The ailment could force the Magpies skipper to miss up to five more weeks in a worst-case outcome, which would put a line through his playing prospects for Collingwood's Opening Round bout with the Saints on March 8, per 9 News' Owen Leonard.
Moore has been limited on the track over the course of the pre-season, with his return date now delayed and potentially eating into his 2026 season.
Fiery forward Beau McCreery is in a similar position, with his foot injury now set to keep the premiership Magpie sidelined for the next four weeks at least due to consistent concerns.
Collingwood also has Dan Houston (hip, 1-2 weeks), Isaac Quaynor (hamstring, 1-2 weeks), Jeremy Howe (calf, two weeks), Dan McStay (hamstring, two weeks) and Lachie Sullivan (calf, 2-3 weeks) currently sidelined just over five weeks out from the game against St Kilda.
The Magpies are set to face GWS in a match simulation hitout on February 20 prior to their Community Series match with North Melbourne one week out from their opening game of the home and away season.
