Hard-running wingman Andrew Gaff and utility Jackson Nelson are set to be tested later this week as they push to be available for Sunday’s RAC Derby at Optus Stadium.
Gaff missed the round two clash with North Melbourne due to foot soreness, while Nelson suffered a knee problem during the warm-up at Marvel Stadium and was forced out of the team moments before the opening bounce.
Nelson was back running at Mineral Resources Park on Tuesday morning and, along with Gaff and midfielder Connor West (hamstring), will aim to prove his fitness during main training.
“Unfortunately, Jackson had a little grab in one of the tendons in his knee in the on-ground warm-up,” Head of Health Mark Finucane told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“The scan has been good news, and again will be a test later in the week as he works through his footy progressions.
“Andrew had a bit of a sore foot after the Gold Coast game and on scan it’s shown a bit of inflammation.
“He didn’t quite get up for the North Melbourne game. He’ll be a test later in the week for this week’s game.”
After an injury-marred build up to the season, the Eagles are seeing promising signs on the training track, with dual club champion Elliot Yeo (calf) building towards returning to the action.
Yeo was involved in skills work on Tuesday, while important forward Jamie Cripps (pectoral) and mature-age draftee Greg Clark (shoulder) are on a similar trajectory towards playing in coming weeks.
“Elliot’s done his running sign off that we wanted to see before he has a couple of week football build to get his football conditioning, and we’re aiming to see him available in a couple of weeks,” Finucane said.
“Jamie and Greg are on similar progressions, so great to see them out at training today and they’ll work through ball-handling, then their body work and contact over the next two-to-three weeks.”
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Foot 4 weeks
Campbell Chesser Ankle Inactive
Greg Clark Shoulder 3-4 weeks
Tom Cole Ankle Inactive
Jamie Cripps Pectoral 3-4 weeks
Andrew Gaff Foot Test
Tom Joyce Ankle 3 weeks
Jackson Nelson Knee Test
Dom Sheed Ankle 6-8 weeks
Zane Trew Shin TBC
Connor West Hamstring Test
Elliot Yeo Calf 2 weeks
