INJURY-PLAGUED Collingwood midfielder Daniel Wells' recovery from Achilles soreness has hit a roadblock after he was not named for Saturday night's VFL practice match against North Melbourne.

Wells, 33, played a half against Box Hill last week.

The Magpies expect him to return for next Saturday's round one VFL clash against the Northern Blues.

"Simply put, it's a load management issue," football manager Geoff Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"It's part of his build up to full match fitness as he looks to play in the VFL next week."

Wells played 10 matches in 2017, which was the first season of his three-year deal with the Magpies after leaving North Melbourne as a free agent. He has managed just 41 games since the start of 2014.

Meanwhile, Chris Mayne has been withdrawn as an emergency for the side that will face Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, as he deals with a quad issue. Defender Sam McLarty is his replacement.

Forward Alex Fasolo, Jarryd Blair, Josh Daicos and Tim Broomhead headlines the senior-listed Magpies taking part in the VFL practice match.