Collingwood midfield stars Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell are battling injuries and are in significant doubt to play in their side's AFL blockbuster against traditional rivals Carlton.
De Goey has been unable to train since the Magpies' draw with Essendon on Anzac Day because of groin soreness, while Mitchell has an ongoing foot issue.
The pair face fitness tests ahead of the Blues clash on Friday night, when more than 90,000 fans are expected at the MCG.
Explosive midfielder De Goey has played every game this season after his important contribution to last year's premiership, but didn't cope well with a short five-day break leading into the Bombers contest.
"He's had some groin pain just with that short turnaround and hasn't pulled up all that well from the Anzac Day game," Collingwood high-performance manager Jarrod Wade said.
"(He's been) unable to train early on in the week, so he's been really limited for four or five days post that game.
"We'll give him every opportunity, so we're going to wait and see how he progresses. Hopefully we can see him into some training on Wednesday."
Carlton are coming off a loss to ladder leaders Geelong, but expect to be bolstered by the return of Adam Cerra (hamstring) and David Cunningham (calf) from injuries against Collingwood, while Mitch McGovern (hamstring) is an outside chance.
Port Adelaide capain Connor Rozee is fighting an uphill battle to be passed fit for the Showdown against Adelaide.
The Power star sustained a minor hamstring injury during his side's narrow win over St Kilda last week and is only rated a slim chance to play against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
"He's a chance, but it's probably a small chance," Port assistant coach Josh Carr said.
"He's walking around, he can't feel anything while walking ... we won't put him out there if we feel like there's any risk in that stage.
"It looks like there's a little bit of risk, but who knows, with the week, we'll see how it plays out."
The Western Bulldogs have confirmed Cody Weightman will be sidelined for at least six weeks because of elbow surgery.
The in-form small forward hurt his left elbow again in Saturday night's loss to Fremantle.
There is some good news for the Bulldogs, with star forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan expected to return against Hawthorn on Sunday after two games out on personal leave.
Top midfielder Tom Liberatore has also been sidelined, firstly because of his worrying collapse in the round-six loss to Essendon.
He was also a late withdrawal from the Fremantle game with illness, but will return to play the Hawks.
Also on Monday, Hawthorn confirmed forward Sam Butler will miss the rest of the season after needing surgery on a broken leg.
The 21-year-old was hurt on the weekend playing for their VFL affiliate Box Hill.
Geelong are yet to confirm the full extent of Patrick Dangerfield's latest hamstring injury, though the veteran midfielder appears set for an extended stint on the sidelines.
Dangerfield on Monday told reporters his latest setback was "same hamstring, feels exactly the same spot" as the injury he sustained in round two against Adelaide.
The star Cat returned in round six but couldn't get through his second game back, going down during the third quarter of Saturday's win over Carlton.
Australian Associated Press
