DUAL Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy is no certainty to return from a calf strain against red-hot Melbourne this Saturday night, according to West Coast coach Adam Simpson.
Kennedy failed to get up for last Thursday night's impressive 13-point win over Geelong and was absent from training on Monday afternoon.
The star spearhead has missed the past two matches – with the bye between - and is racing the clock to face the Demons at Domain Stadium.
"We've got to see him train and see if he can get through some sessions," Simpson told 6PR.
"We'll make a call on that pretty early in the week whether we think he's going to get up or not, but it's by no means guaranteed."
The Eagles will be forced into at least one change with dashing defender Jackson Nelson set to be sidelined for one-to-two weeks by a hamstring strain.
Sharrod Wellingham (13 disposals, seven tackles) will be in the selection mix to replace Nelson after getting through his return from an ankle issue for East Perth on Saturday, with veteran Sam Butler another candidate.
Big man Scott Lycett appears only an outside chance to make his senior comeback against the Dees, who are set to regain star ruckman Max Gawn.
Lycett had 12 touches and won 10 hit-outs in his second WAFL game back from shoulder surgery, but was second fiddle to Jonathan Giles (15 disposals, 35 hit-outs) while Nathan Vardy was outstanding against former club Geelong.
"(Lycett) didn't get a lot of ruck time on the weekend due to a bit of a cut on his knee but he played another full game and now he's not far off being fully available," Simpson told Channel Seven.
"That's another big decision we've got to make this week."
The Eagles breathed a sigh of relief on Monday when gun onballer Luke Shuey was offered a $1000 fine for his high bump on Patrick Dangerfield.
Shuey was forced to wait four days for the verdict and Simpson joined the chorus calling for Match Review Panel to convene more than once a week.
"You're always a little bit worried when these things get dragged out over three or four days," he said.
"I'm glad it's out the way and we move on.
"It would be beneficial to know a bit earlier."