NORTH Melbourne expects classy midfielder Shaun Higgins to return against Gold Coast on Saturday night, but key players Jack Ziebell, Todd Goldstein and Ben Brown remain in doubt.

Higgins was a late withdrawal from North's round five clash with Fremantle after experiencing hamstring tightness following the Roos' main training session last Thursday.

North senior performance consultant Steve Saunders said Higgins would play against the Suns if he got through training on Thursday.

The full AFL injury list for round six

"He was touch and go last week and presented well the day before the game. The decision was ultimately made not to take any risk with him," Saunders told NMFC.com.au.

"We're very confident he will line up on Saturday night."

Ziebell (knee), Goldstein (ankle) and Brown (knee) all pulled up sore after the Roos' fadeout five-point loss to the Dockers.

All three will have to pass fitness tests to take on the Suns at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, when North will be aiming to record its first win of the season.

Meanwhile, second-year key forward Ben McKay will miss two to three weeks with hip/groin issues.

"Ben has had a gradual onset of symptoms related to the bilateral hip surgery he had in the pre-season," Saunders said.

"He will need a few weeks to allow the inflammation to settle and to improve his strength sufficiently in that area.

"Our focus is on ensuring he can have a solid and sustained run at playing when he returns."