SYDNEY captain Josh Kennedy remains only a slight chance of facing Gold Coast at the SCG on Saturday afternoon as he continues to recover from a back problem.

Kennedy left the field with back spasms in the second quarter of the Swans' thrilling six-point win over North Melbourne on Sunday and played no further part in the match, and has to battle a tight six-day turnaround in order to get up for round 18.

His importance to coach John Longmire's side means the likelihood of the three-time club champion running out against the Suns is remote, especially with crucial games against Essendon, Collingwood, Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney and Hawthorn to come in the run home to the finals.

Kennedy took to the track with the rest of his teammates on Thursday and did little before the session was closed to the media.

The 30-year-old's durability can't be questioned, and the tough midfielder won't be keen to sit out, but a week off won't hurt him or the team going forward.

Kennedy has played all 16 games in 2018 and has made an average of 23.8 appearances in his eight years in Sydney since crossing from Hawthorn at the end of the 2009 season.

Meanwhile key defender Heath Grundy is on track to return against Gold Coast after being managed last week.

The 32-year-old was rested from the Kangaroos clash after playing all 15 games leading into the match, and the veteran will add some much-needed experience to a side already missing Jarrad McVeigh (collarbone), Kieren Jack (knee), Dan Hannebery (calf) and Sam Reid (Achilles).

In further good news for the Swans, McVeigh is already running and doing some light skills work after the broken collarbone he suffered against Geelong in round 16 was successfully operated on last week.

The star defender is one of the club's most professional players and could be eyeing off the Swans' round 20 clash with Collingwood at the SCG for his return, or the following round against Melbourne at the MCG if medical staff decide to take a conservative approach to his comeback.

Jack also missed Thursday's session with the medial ligament strain he also copped against the Cats, and must be in doubt for next week's trip to Etihad Stadium to face the Bombers.