YOUNG West Coast midfielder Dom Sheed is set to return to the WAFL this week after enduring a terrible run with injury this season.

Sheed, 21, played 23 games last year including the Grand Final and finished third in the NAB Rising Star award behind Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan and Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps. 

But he has hardly played at all this season due to a torrid run with injury. His pre-season was heavily curtailed after he needed minor surgery on his knee last December.

He played his first game of the year in the WAFL in round one back in March but tore his pectoral muscle in his only quarter for the season and required surgery. 

Sheed had recovered sufficiently from the pec injury a month ago but recurring pain in his knee had held him back from returning until this week.

Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo said on Monday that Sheed was likely to play in the WAFL this week should he get through training on Monday and Wednesday. 

"Dominic has had a really good couple of weeks of full training with the group and some extra work individually as well," Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.

"Touch wood he gets through training this week and Dom will play minutes down at East Perth for us this week. It's very exciting that we get him back for the next part of the year."

East Perth will face WAFL ladder leaders South Fremantle on Saturday afternoon.

Eagles star ruckman Nic Naitanui is also progressing well from surgery on inflamed tendons near both Achilles.

Naitanui had the surgery on both legs following the loss to Adelaide in round 12.

Naitanui progressed to walking and gym work fairly quickly after the surgery and Vozzo said he should begin a more significant running program early next week after seeing the surgeon later this week.    

"The expectation now is that he'll see the specialist later this week and hopefully we'll get the sign off for early next week to begin a more intensive running program and a build up from there," Vozzo said.

"So the early signs are really good."  

Naitanui remains on track to play again during the home and away season.