The Magpies' preparations for their round 10 clash have been rocked by the fallout from president Eddie McGuire's comments suggesting Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes could be used to promote the new King Kong stage show.
The comments followed the dual Brownlow medallist being racially vilified as an 'ape' by a 13-year-old Collingwood fan last Friday night.
O'Brien and Krakouer both flew with the team to Brisbane on Thursday, but there is no guarantee the pair will take their places in the team on Friday night.
McGuire's comments were heavily criticised by Brazilian-born O'Brien, who also has African heritage.
Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said he would stay in close contact with O'Brien to make sure he was in the right frame of mind to take on the Lions.
Krakouer would also be supported, Buckley said, if he chose to pull out of the game.
"I'll sit down with the guys again tonight and tomorrow morning to see where their head space is at.
"It's a sensitive situation. It's a sensitive time.
"If they feel for any reason it's not within them to be able to go out and play a game of footy, well then we'll support that.
"This is a moment in time that's not a great event for Eddie or anyone related to him, the Collingwood Football Club or the AFL in general."
