GARY Ablett will again miss for Gold Coast, with a hamstring complaint sidelining the superstar for Saturday night's clash with Essendon at Metricon Stadium.
While the Suns can't make finals, the Bombers are in the hunt and likely need to win their final two games to play in September.
They sit in 10th spot with a 10-10 record, and a percentage of 104.5.
Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft told goldcoastfc.com.au Ablett was a chance to play in round 23.
"Gary's still going on a little bit slowly. Don't think he'll be available to play this weekend but we're holding some hope for our last game against Port Adelaide," Ashcroft said.
Ablett, 33, has played one game in the last month as he battles a persistent hamstring problem.
Meanwhile, foot surgery for Sean Lemmens will rule him out for the season after he was carried off the field late against the Brisbane Lions last Saturday.
"That'll happen during the middle part of this week and with that he'll miss the rest of this year," Ashcorft said.
Ruckman Dan Currie had a pin inserted into a foot when he had surgery on Monday night, with his 2017 also done.
"He hurt his foot early in the game, soldiered through, he was pretty brave but unfortunately did break a bone in his foot," Ashcroft said.
Meanwhile, runner Pearce Hanley trained on Tuesday and, if he again takes to the track on Thursday, he should be right to face the Bombers.
Hanley missed the Lions clash with what Ashcroft said was "more neural stuff coming from his back", rather than a hamstring issue.
"We're optimistic he'll be available for Saturday night," Ashcroft said.