Collingwood could be without star midfielder Jordan De Goey for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne due to a quad complaint.
Magpies senior coach Craig McRae will be forced into at least one change for the weekend as he plans to fill a void in defence left by All-Australian backman Darcy Moore.
While veteran Jeremy Howe will be among those available for selection, De Goey could be ruled out after leaving training early on Thursday with quad tightness.
According toย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, the Magpies will monitor De Goey in the coming days, with a potential 11th-hour call to be made.
McRae will be without Moore for his Round 17 planning, while potential debutant and rookie defender Charlie Dean has also suffered another untimely setback.
Jordan De Goey left Collingwood training early today with a tight quad. Will be assessed closer to game time.
Finlay Macrae and Josh Carmichael in the frame should De Goey not get up. Will Kelly will be considered for a key post in defence
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) July 7, 2022
Dean will miss up to eight weeks with a cracked toe, an injury sustained in the VFL over the weekend.
The news only gets worse for Collingwood's rearguard, with likely inclusion Jack Madgen also ruled out of this weekend after fracturing his thumb at training.
Madgen was initially in the mix to replace Moore in defence, however a chance may now arise for youngster Will Kelly.
Kelly has not featured for McRae's side this season after starting off his campaign with a hip issue which limited his abilities until late May.
After spending four weeks in the VFL, Kelly may be called up for a spot in the senior side to aid the Magpies' depleted defence.
Mid-Season recruit Josh Carmichael, fringe midfielder Finlay Macrae, youngster Trent Bianco and Round 16 medical sub Isaac Chugg will also be in contention for a spot in McRae's side.
The Magpies will host North Melbourne at the MCG at 1:45pm (AEST) on Saturday.
