Collingwood captain Darcy Moore missed training on Friday after dealing with an elbow infection this week, but is expected to play in Sunday's game against GWS at the MCG.
Pies coach Craig McRae explained Moore's absence from training while speaking on Friday, revealing that he had a scratch that had become infected.
"Unfortunately Darcy got an infection in his elbow earlier in the week. It almost looked like a spider bite, but it's not, it's a scratch that got infected and it got quite bad early in the week so we are just looking after him," McRae said.
"He's going to have to do a little bit more in the next 24 hours to be fit and available but we are anticipating that that will be the case.
"It's an infection but it's more on the surface so it looks quite red and sore but again, we are anticipating that he gets up and plays."
McRae noted that Moore has had a good recovery and has been completing internal training to help prepare for selections, which will be announced by the club at 5:00pm this afternoon.
"He is taking antibiotics but again, there is progression suggesting he'll be available," Mcrae said.
"He's been doing work internally, he's been doing work, within the four walls, but he'll train, to some capacity tomorrow. We are anticipating that Darcy does get up."
Another injury was sustained this week, with 7 News' Mitch Cleary reporting that John Noble corked his thigh mid training session and left the track. Much like Moore, the club is hopeful to have him in the side for Sunday's clash.
John Noble copped a corked thigh and left the track mid-session. The Pies hopeful he’ll get up in time for Sunday
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) May 12, 2023
If Moore and Noble do not return, it opens the door for younger, less experienced players. McRae noted some stand out players from the VFL that have impressed him, potentially landing themselves a spot on this weeks selection.
"We are about to go to match committee to see what we can do. I love setting young people up to succeed, that's always been my mantra," McRae said.
"Trey Ruscoe is in really good form in the VFL so there are some opportunities for others.
"Particularly Trey (Ruscoe), coming in ANZAC Day and playing really well for us. It showed that if they are playing well at VFL level, it stacks up in the AFL. So he's been performing well and he's in the squad as we want to reward the behaviour and wait to see what it looks like."
Collingwood will go head-to-head against the Giants on Sunday afternoon at 4:40pm (AEST) at the MCG.
