STEVEN May is set to make his return for Melbourne on Saturday after two weeks on the sidelines.
The defender, who suffered a low-grade hamstring strain in Round 18, will be available to play, providing all goes to plan on the track this week.
“We expect Maysie (May) to play,” Elite Performance Manager Dave Misson told Melbourne Media.
“He’s just got to get through a full week of training, but we’re pretty happy with where he’s at.”
Jake Lever is also expected to line up against Collingwood, despite rolling his ankle in last weekend’s loss to Richmond.
The 23-year-old, who sent shock waves through the red and blue when he hobbled from the MCG on Saturday, will look to prove his fitness towards the end of the week.
“Jake pulled up pretty well and there’s no structural damage to his ankle,” Misson said.
“It’s still quite swollen, so we’ll back-end his week and he’ll have a run on Wednesday or Thursday.
“He will then have a fitness test Friday, but we expect he’s going to be okay.”
Charlie Spargo (calf) is another that will prepare to play, while Mitch Hannan (groin) and Tom Sparrow (knee) aren’t ready just yet.
“Charlie’s in a similar boat to Maysie; he’s just got to get through the training week and then will be available,” Misson said.
“Mitch, however, has got some issues with his groin. He didn’t play VFL last week and will miss this week as well.
“And Tom’s aim remains on the VFL finals, if Casey is to make it.”
In other news, Tom McDonald (knee) and Aaron vandenBerg (foot) are ticking boxes in their recovery.
McDonald, who underwent surgery last month after tearing his meniscus, will ramp up his rehab next week, with vandenBerg also adding to his load.
“Tom’s knee is looking really good,” Misson said.
“The aim for him is to have a run on the AlterG treadmill next week, but we’re really happy with where he’s at overall.
“Vanders is also going really well. It been a slow process, but he’s now put together six weeks of good running.
“It will be ongoing to get him up and ready for pre-season.”
And Aaron Nietschke is also progressing well after his ACL injury.
“Aaron’s going really well in his rehab. He’s increased his speed in his running and is starting to do some agility and one-on-one skills.
“He’s definitely at a place that we’re really happy with and we think he’s going to get most of the pre-season preparation in.”
Meanwhile, Neville Jetta will undergo further surgery on his knee on Tuesday, and Sam Weideman will have the first of his hip operations next week.
Check out Melbourne’s full injury list below:
Steven May | Hamstring – Test
Jake Lever | Ankle – Test
Charlie Spargo | Calf – Test
Mitch Hannan | Groin – 1-2 weeks
Tom Sparrow | Knee – 2-3 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg | Foot – Season
Neville Jetta | Knee - Season
Jeff Garlett | Shoulder – Season
Kade Kolodjashnij | Head – Season
Tom McDonald | Knee – Season
Aaron Nietschke | Knee – Season
Joel Smith | Groin – Season
Sam Weideman | Jaw – Season
Guy Walker | Shoulder – Indefinite
