Collingwood will welcome three big inclusions for Friday night's clash with Essendon, according to Seven News' Mark Stevens.

Star midfielder Adam Treloar, veteran Travis Varcoe and forgotten defender Matthew Scharenberg are all expected to be named in the side.

The trio are all yet to play a senior game this season, with Treloar suffering hamstring and calf setbacks over the pre-season.

Treloar reportedly dominated last week's practice match against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval.

Varcoe has not played at senior level since the club's Round 23 clash against Essendon last year after getting dropped for the finals. The ex-Cat underwent shoulder surgery in January.

Scharenberg ruptured his ACL halfway through the 2018 season after establishing himself as a regular member of the Pies' back six.

He has since struggled to crack back into the senior side, however, Jeremy Howe's knee injury has opened up a spot.

Collingwoood have two forced changes for Friday night, with Howe and vice-captain Steele Sidebottom coming out of the team.

Sidebottom was handed a four-match ban for his COVID-19 breach last weekend.

The Pies meet Essendon at the MCG on Friday night at 7.50pm (AEST).