Garland had surgery on his ankle in January, but he has gradually increased his training loads to the desired level over the last couple of weeks.
Melbourne is confident he could have played this week, but the staggered start to the VFL season has the Demons' VFL affiliate the Casey Scorpions scheduled to open its campaign on April 6.
"Ideally Colin was at the stage where he was ready to play a game but we've known for a long time that the VFL fixture starts at the AFL's round three," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney told AFL.com.au.
"So we'll do as much as we can within training and match simulation and he'll be ready to play a game the week after."
AFL Victoria determines the VFL fixture based on how the AFL's schedule shapes up, as well as taking into account the club's requests - including the aligning of both leagues' bye rounds this season.
The VFL fixture is released in December.
"With the early start to the AFL season that's why there's a bigger difference to the start of the VFL season," AFL Victoria spokesman Anthony Stanguts told AFL.com.au.
Veteran ruckman Mark Jamar (foot) is in a similar position to Garland, with the Demons also wanting him to return via the VFL next week.
"He's on the same timeline as Colin Garland. He'll train tomorrow and train on Friday and be available to play a game the following week," Mahoney said.
Defender Tom McDonald and key forward Jack Fitzpatrick are both in doubt for the Demons' clash with West Coast at the MCG on Sunday.
McDonald (corked thigh) and Fitzpatrick (concussion) will both be monitored this week.
Melbourne will have to wait a little longer to replenish its tall forward stocks, with Chris Dawes (calf) and Jesse Hogan (back) still two to three weeks away from playing.
Jordie McKenzie is available to play after injuring his foot at training last Thursday, while Aidan Riley (broken leg) - recruited from Adelaide - will be removed from the long-term injury list next week.
Mahoney said Dean Kent, Michael Evans, Luke Tapscott and Jack Viney were all in line to be recalled for Sunday's game with the Eagles.
Coach Paul Roos indicated on Monday Viney was touch and go as he was "still a bit underdone", although ruckman Max Gawn is set to return to the senior side after an interrupted pre-season.
Mahoney said first-round draft pick (No.9 overall) Christian Salem was still a little way off a senior berth.
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
