WEST Coast half-back Liam Duggan could be racing to return for the start of finals after suffering a nasty ankle sprain in Saturday night's Western Derby.
But in better news, dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy is set to return from illness for Friday night's blockbuster Grand Final rematch with under-pressure Collingwood.
Duggan twinged his ankle in the opening quarter of the 91-point flogging of Fremantle but played out the remainder of the contest.
However, the premiership defender pulled up sore and will need at least 5-6 weeks "off legs" before he can build his training workload, placing him in doubt for the start of September.
The unassuming 22-year-old has become a mainstay of Adam Simpson's backline in recent seasons and only missed two matches in the past two campaigns.
Duggan's setback could open the door for Tom Cole or Will Schofield to return against the Pies after both were held over as emergencies for the Derby.
"Our guys have indicated it’s a high ankle sprain, the old syndesmosis injury," football manager Craig Vozzo said of Duggan's injury.
"It’s looking like he’ll be a five or six week ‘off legs’ (period) and then building to training (and then) to play.
"So unfortunately it’s an extended period out." - Craig Vozzo
Big man Nathan Vardy is now also battling an ankle problem on top of his existing knee complaint that has pushed back his timeframe to return to three weeks.
Mark Hutchings' progress from a hamstring strain is also going slowly and the tagger won't be available for another fortnight.
Kennedy, who has booted 30 goals in 13 games, was a late withdrawal from the Derby but expects to train on Tuesday night.
"'JK' went down during the week gradually and then suddenly (on game day) with a virus, which kept him out of the game on Saturday night, but he’s recovering quite well with rest," Vozzo said.
Speedster Jack Petruccelle (hamstring) and Jarrod Brander (calf) got through light skills work on Monday and should be ready to return, most likely in the WAFL against West Perth.
There was also a positive step for young half-forward Daniel Venables, who is "turning the corner" after being sidelined from training since suffering a bad concussion against Melbourne nearly two months ago.
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"I don’t want to talk too early, but he has done some on-ground work this week, largely because he’s feeling significantly better than he was," Vozzo said.
"Slowly, slowly we’re getting there, but we’re not setting any timelines or expectations.
"We’ll just take it slowly and get Dan right to the point where we get him to 100 per cent."
