COLLINGWOOD swingman Ben Reid is expected to play in the side's crucial clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday at the MCG.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said on Thursday the key position player was one of four players who had overcome injuries and were in the mix for selection.

"We'll have four players that will come back off the injury list and available, so Reidy, Tyson Goldsack, Jesse White and Rupert Wills will all be available for selection this week," Buckley said.

Buckley said Reid was "likely" to face Port Adelaide after proving he had recovered from a quad injury.

"He's likely, but it is a marginal call, because we've had some guys who have performed pretty well," Buckley said.

"Any players that aren't favoured going into the game on Saturday will probably not miss due to form, it will just be the balance of the side and how we think we're going to best present, which is a pretty good position to be in."

Buckley said the decision on where to play Reid was a discussion point, with the All-Australian defender showing his potency in attack in recent seasons despite starting 2017 in defence.

"Reidy is one of those bookends that can go both ways. He's clearly proven it as a defender, but his aerial capacity is enticing as a forward."

Goldsack is certain to return to the side, having recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in Collingwood's round 11 win over Fremantle.

"Goldy has been in our best 22. He has been clearly one of our better key defenders, so he will come back into the side," Buckley said.

The anticipated return of injured forward Jamie Elliott is at least a fortnight away, with Buckley suggesting he may be ready to face Essendon in round 16.

"It's more likely that he will miss this week and next, and then potentially push for the week after that, but once again that will be guided by how he takes the steps along the way."

Daniel Wells is further away from action as he builds the strength of his injured calf, while Travis Varcoe may be in line to return next week.