Collingwood coach Craig McRae has confirmed that Jordan De Goey and Lachie Schultz will be available for selection for this weekend's clash with Adelaide.
De Goey has been absent over the past fortnight after he sustained a groin injury in the Pies ANZAC Day match against Essendon, with growing fears that it could be osteitis pubis that could sideline him for an extended period.
However, the 28-year-old has been receiving extra treatment off-site to fast-track his recovery with McRae confirming on Thursday the star has overcome his groin injury and will be up for selection.
“Jordy got through training well, he's got a spring in his step, so he will be available,” McRae told reporters at the AIA Centre.
Pressure forward Schultz will also be available to return after serving a one-match suspension for striking Carlton's Blake Acres in Round 8.
“He’s in our best 22 and he’s trained exceptionally well.” 🗣️ Craig McRae on Lachie Schultz.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 16, 2024
In sour news for the Pies, McRae confirmed that Tom Mitchell won't play again this weekend as he recovers from a foot issue.
Mitchell - who's been rehabilitating from planta facia - was put through a high-end running session over the weekend but has pulled up sore and will be given another week on the sidelines.
"Tom won't play. That foot issue is still hanging around, so he won't play.”
McRae and the Pies will be forced into at least two changes, with De Goey and Schultz likely to fill those spots.
Jeremy Howe (groin) and Jack Bytel (concussion) will miss Round 10 after featuring in the impressive win against West Coast last week, while Harvey Harrison is a watch despite training on Thursday.
Howe is expected to miss up to 2-3 weeks while Bytel has entered concussion protocols.
The trio will join Jamie Elliot and Beau McCreery in the stands while key forward Brody Mihocek is still a couple of weeks away.
Final teams will drop at 5 pm on Thursday.