Adam Treloar is set to return for the Western Bulldogs' crunch clash with Geelong, while Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has been sidelined by a hamstring strain.
Dogs midfielder Treloar has missed the past three weeks with a similar issue and must pass a fitness test before taking on the Cats at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Signs are good for the 30-year-old, who averaged 29 disposals and six clearances over the opening seven rounds of the season.
"Adam's recovery from his hamstring injury has gone exactly to plan," Bulldogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell said.
"We have graduated his speed and training demands over the last few sessions, with him completing a game like training session on Saturday.
"He still has one or two boxes to tick before we can confirm his availability, but at this stage he is on track to return to play this weekend."
Darcy sustained his hamstring injury during the second quarter Fremantle's upset win over Melbourne on Saturday and was substituted out of the match.
The Dockers have their mid-season bye this week before hosting Richmond at Optus Stadium in round 13.
"Darcy returned to Perth for scans following the game, which have shown a moderate grade hamstring strain," the club said in a statement.
"The players will officially return on Thursday following a four-day break, however, Darcy has already commenced his reconditioning at the club.
"A time frame for Darcy's return will be finalised as he progresses through his reconditioning."
Melbourne superstar Clayton Oliver is set to resume training with his teammates this week on return from a "minor hamstring strain" but is unlikely to play against Carlton on Friday night.
"He's been ticking every box and doing everything he possibly can to get this hamstring right," Demons club doctor Laura Lallenec.
"Thankfully he's been going really well in rehab.
"At this stage we're looking to get him integrated into some training this week, which is a step in the right direction."
GWS forward Harry Himmelberg is set to return from concussion in Sunday's clash with Richmond, but teammate Nick Haynes faces another week out after a setback caused by an infected cut.
"While Nick is feeling better from both the infection and his concussion, he doesn’t have enough time to progress through the concussion protocols and take the field this weekend," Giants medical boss James Rahme said.
"He'll continue to build up his training and at this stage we expect him to be ready to face the Kangaroos next week."
