Bailey Smith, who has been suffering from the virus for the previous week, appears ready to make a comeback against Essendon.
Before being labeled a certain starter for Friday night, the 22-year-old will be watched at training.
“Bailey Smith began to experience flu-like symptoms immediately following our round 17 game against the Pies,” said Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell.
“He had a very quiet week last week while recovering, but the good news is that he has improved and is re-energized.”
“He will be monitored during main training this week, but I expect him to be available again.”
Sam Darcy suffered a nasty cork to his quad during the two-point loss to Sydney and will miss multiple games due to a bleed in his thigh.
“Sam Darcy has unfortunately continued to suffer some bad luck,” Bell said.
“In a marking contest at the end of the first quarter, he suffered a big blow to the outside part of his quad thigh muscle.
“As part of this injury you not only damage the muscle tissue but also break the blood vessels that carry blood around your thigh.
“From this significant corkie, Sam has suffered extensive bleeding and swelling into his thigh and lower leg.
We will manage Sam conservatively but do expect him to miss the next few games of footy.”
James O’Donnell and Lachie McNeil both suffered concussion in the Thursday night defeat and will miss the upcoming fixture against the Bombers.
“Lachie McNeil received some heavy contact off the ball in the first quarter,” Bell told reporters.
“He was winded from the heavy hit when he was assessed at the time.”
“He completed the game without any obvious concerns, but then post-game reported that he started to suffer from some subtle signs that can be related to concussion.”
“After clinical assessment, the doctors confirmed that McNeil had suffered some delayed signs of concussion.”
Mitch Hannan is also expected to return from a calf injury if he completes major training on Wednesday.
