MELBOURNE'S Liam Jurrah is certain to miss the opening round of the AFL season after surgery undertaken before Christmas to fix his injured wrist has failed to solve the problem.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld confirmed that the dynamic forward - who has kicked 81 goals in 35 games  (including 40 from 18 games) - was four weeks away from playing a game of football at any level.

"He's going to have to come back through the VFL so that is where he is at," said Neeld.

"We know he has had complications with his wrist (as it) lasted four weeks in a cast and didn't heel, (so he) had to have an operation and he can't join in full training. He's a while away Liam."

Neeld said Jurrah's setback was disappointing for the player and the club but the injury was not a major concern.

"Unfortunately we had to go back and have a second go at it. It's not a concern but no one wants their players to be injured and we've got a couple, but again that's footy."

Jack Trengove remains on the club's injury list after experiencing soreness in his leg following training last week but is expected to play in the third round of the NAB Cup. Cale Morton will also be in contention for selection in that game against Hawthorn. 

Luke Tapscott will also miss this Saturday's NAB Cup clash with a a hip complaint but he should be back for the third round of the pre-season competition as well.

"[Trengove has] had a couple of weeks off and he'll train fully this week and he'll be available for NAB Cup round three," football manager Josh Mahoney told melbournefc.com.au.

"Luke Tapscott has progressed really well. He is now at the stage where he is almost ready to go.

"Again, if he gets through a full week of training, he'll be available for selection."

The Demons are also set to see Cale Morton and Jordie McKenzie in the coming weeks.

"Cale has progressed well since his knee injury and he's at the stage where he'll join in with full training and he'll be in contention for selection in NAB Cup round three," Mahoney said.

"Jordie has been moving along gradually through pre-season.

"His intensity has been building each week and he's now getting closer to full training with the team."

Mitch Clark and Clint Bartram are both fit but will be rested from the game against Collingwood.