NORTH Melbourne defender Scott Thompson will miss Saturday night's clash against Greater Western Sydney with a groin injury as the Kangaroos balance a number of returning players before finals.
Thompson, who was also sidelined in round 21 with the injury, aggravated his groin in this first quarter against the Sydney Swans at the weekend. He will have two weeks to recover, given the bye after round 23.
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Football manager Geoff Walsh confirmed the 30-year-old would be sidelined for this week's clash against the Giants, which could be a dress rehearsal for the Kangaroos' elimination final if ladder positions stay the same after round 23.
"Scott was symptom-free going into the match and was passed fit, but unfortunately strained his groin early against the Swans," Walsh said.
"He'll miss this week but we have some time to prepare him for the finals."
North Melbourne is balancing the returns of tagger Ben Jacobs and defender Sam Wright, with both in a race against the clock to prove their fitness ahead of the finals.
Jacobs underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot earlier this year, while Wright is recovering from an ankle injury.
"For Ben, his foot surgery was deemed a success but after playing a game in the VFL a few weeks back, he reported some ongoing soreness," Walsh said.
"The surgeon is happy with the healing, but we obviously had to back him off with some pain preventing him from doing the necessary training."
Wright, who has played one game in the VFL after being sidelined for nine weeks with an ankle injury, also needed to be monitored after a setback.
"Sam also played a game in the VFL and pulled up a bit sore afterwards which prevented him from playing back-to-back games," Walsh said.
"With both players, it will be a situation where we'll have to monitor them closely before making any decisions on when they might be available to play again. It's a wait and see."
Walsh said defender Luke McDonald, who has battled a serious hamstring injury, could return to face the Giants in his first AFL game since round 13.
Forwards Shaun Higgins and Aaron Black, and midfielder Farren Ray have been cleared for selection this week.
