JAKE Bowey is available to play this week, set to make a return to footy eight weeks on from shoulder surgery.

Bowey injured his shoulder during Melbourne’s Opening Round match and has diligently worked through his reconditioning plan to be up for selection in Round 9.

Selwyn Griffith, the club’s High-Performance Manager, praised the work of the young defender throughout the rehab process.

“Jake trained fully last week with the team,” Griffith told Melbourne Media.

“He completed a match volume session with our reconditioning group and has integrated into full training this week.

“He’ll be available for selection this week, which is a great progression in Jake’s recovery.”

In some more exciting news, Christian Salem (hamstring) is close to following in Bowey’s footsteps, just a week or so away from returning to footy.

“He’s progressed really well,” Griffith said.

“He hit close to top speed over the weekend, he integrated into some training with the group today.

“He’ll do another match volume session at the end of the week and then we’ll assess his availability for the following week.”

Charlie Spargo (Achilles) continues to progress through his stages of rehab.

“He’s progressed into that next phase of his reconditioning plan,” Griffith said.

“He’s started to do some high-intensity agility and skills; we’ll be looking to integrate him into the main group skills in the coming weeks.

“So, hopefully a return not too far away for Charlie.”

Griffith also provided an update on forward Josh Schache, who missed the VFL’s match on Sunday coming off some Achilles soreness from the week prior.

“He had some heel pain following last week’s game, which showed to be some bone bruising,” Griffith said.

“So, he had the weekend off and we’ll just assess his availability as the week progresses.”

Check out the full injury list below.