Magpies star set to miss blockbuster clash with Geelong.
Collingwood are confident midfield general Dale Thomas will only miss two weeks due to a foot injury but could not give a more accurate timetable for his return to the side.
Thomas met with specialists and team medical staff this week and was told to scale back his training in order to give his injury time recuperate.
The Pies are set to be without Thomas for the next two weeks as they face two important clashes against Geelong and premiers Sydney, with losses likely to see them tumble out of the top eight.
In a boost for Collingwood, Luke Ball and Josh Hunt will play their first games for the club this year against the Cats, while for Geelong, they welcome back Joel Corey to the side.
In other selection news from the AFL, Essendon has left out Courtney Dempsey from their side to face Brisbane, after he broke team protocol and went out drinking last Saturday night.
As punishment, Dempsey will play in the VFL while the Bombers welcome back Brent Stanton and Paddy Ryder for the game against the Lions.
Richmond received mixed news in the lead-up to their game against Essendon with Ivan Maric (ankle) joining Shane Tuck and Chris Knights on the sideline.
However, in a massive boost to the side roving midfielder Trent Cotchin returns to action along with Ty Vickery, Aaron Edwards.
The Dees have lost Jack Viney (toe) and Shannon Byrnes (wrist) along with the suspended Colin Sylvia, but they have named Mark Jamar and Jack Trengove.
The Western Bulldogs swung four changes ahead of their crunch clash with Gold Coast, recalling mature-age recruits Brett Goodes and Koby Stevens along with prized draftees Jackson Macrae and Jake Stringer.
Carlton will again be without star Bryce Gibbs. The Blues have also lost Chris Yarran, Eddie Betts and Dave Ellard ahead of Sunday’s crunch duel with Port Adelaide.
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