He will line up for Casey Scorpions in a practice match this weekend.
Garland, who has played 20 matches after debuting in 2007, impressed considerably in 2008 when he stood the likes of Hawthorn's Lance Franklin. He kept the Hawk star to just three goals in one match, during his 113-goal season.
Although Garland settled in defence in 2008, he could spend time in attack this year, particularly with Liam Jurrah now sidelined for much of 2010.
However, Melbourne development coach Kelly O'Donnell said Garland would be handled carefully upon return.
"He's progressing well, but he'll obviously be taken pretty steadily," O'Donnell told melbournefc.com.au.
O'Donnell said Jurrah had been coping well since sustaining a serious shoulder injury against Adelaide in Elizabeth last Saturday. The Northern Territorian had shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
"He's going alright. His biggest disappointment was that he wanted to play with Aussie (Austin Wonaeamirri) this weekend. The Aussie/Liam combination is going to have to wait another time," O'Donnell said.
"He's handled it well and Ian Flack and his welfare team have been in constant contact with Liam. He's got a good network in and around him, so we'll certainly be monitoring him.
"He's got to get over the operation, because he hasn't really had an operation or injury before, so it'll be day-by-day and week-by-week for him."
Matthew Bate (quadriceps) and Cameron Bruce (hamstring) are set to return for Melbourne against West Coast Eagles at Casey Fields this Saturday. The duo played last Friday night in a practice match for Casey Scorpions.
Wonaeamirri is also set to play after playing 60 to 70 per cent of game time for Casey last week.
O'Donnell said Jack Watts is also making strides from a back injury, but no time-frame had been set for his return.
"He resumed training with the main group on Wednesday and his loads will be increased over the next couple of weeks," he said.
"He's a day-by-day [proposition] and we're just trying to get volumes of work in him."
Another draftee from 2008, Sam Blease, who suffered a serious leg fracture at school last April, is now undertaking modified work with the main group.
"It was a major injury he had, but he's progressing really well and running freely and his training is improving each week," O'Donnell said.
Paul Johnson (foot) is back running, but fellow ruckmen Max Gawn (knee) and John Meesen (ankle) are out indefinitely.
Cale Morton (knee) and Daniel Bell (shoulder) are expected to miss 12 weeks and eight weeks respectively. Luke Tapscott (hip) will miss three to four months.
Despite Melbourne's injury woes, there is some good news for rookie Daniel Hughes, who has battled injury during his time at the club. The talented forward has been named in the NAB Challenge squad.
"We don't know if he'll make the final team yet - final selection is tomorrow - but he's in the squad and he's under consideration," O'Donnell said.
"He's a great story, because he's had three years of injury frustration and he's finally getting back near full fitness and we're pretty keen to have a look at him."
