WEST Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has been ruled out of this Sunday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Eagles coach John Worsfold confirmed on Wednesday that Naitanui would miss the game and that he was no certainty to return in the next fortnight.

Naitanui has been hampered by groin and quad injuries over the past few weeks and is yet to find the All Australian form he displayed in 2012.

Eagles veteran Dean Cox will now have to shoulder the ruck load against a red-hot Will Minson as his team aims to keep its slim finals hopes alive against the Western Bulldogs.

Naitanui joins Daniel Kerr on the sidelines who is battling a knee injury and is no guarantee to play again this season.

Kerr, whose knee flared up following his WAFL hit-out last Saturday,will consult medical staff this week to determine the best course ofaction, with surgery a distinct possibility.

The 10th-placedEagles will also be without Luke Shuey (hamstring) but Scott Selwood is in line to return from a fractured thumb.

Naitanui, who underwent pre-season surgery on his groin, will be rested for at least a week before being put through his paces at training again.

Worsfold said he wasn't sure whether Naitanui's issues could be labelled as osteitis pubis.

But if the 23-year-old pulls up sore from training in the coming weeks, then West Coast will call an early end to his season.

"I don't think surgery is part of the equation at this stage," Worsfold said.

"Rest will resolve the issue. It's a matter of how much rest."