North Melbourne lockdown back Jackson Archer is set to be sidelined for at least another week, after suffering a minor hamstring strain.
The 22-year-old would have been available for selection this week, having served a three-match suspension given to him in Round 1 for rough conduct.
"Jackson had a disappointing setback last week in training when he experienced hamstring tightness in a kicking drill, with a scan revealing a really minor strain," North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said.
"He won't play this week but will aim to press his case for next week's game."
Young guns Finn O'Sullivan and George Wardlaw are both available for selection, with the latter in the frame for his first AFL game of the year.
Wardlaw (hamstring) returned from his lengthy absence via the VFL on Sunday afternoon, gathering 21 possessions (13 contested) and seven clearances across limited game time before also completing a top-up conditioning block.
"George played three quarters in the reserves and has pulled up well across the first two days of the week," White said.
"He had a light run today (Tuesday) and will be in group training again on Thursday."
Illness kept O'Sullivan out of the Round 4 clash with Sydney, but he's expected to train later this week and raise his hand for a recall.
Eddie Ford (hamstring) and Zac Fisher (concussion) will face tests on Thursday as they look to return to action after missing a game each.
"Zac has progressed well through the league protocols and has been feeling good," White said.
"Eddie has been impressive across his short rehab block in being able to pass through early markers of strength and function.
"There are a few more clearance hurdles for him to tick off to enable him to move into unrestricted training with the main group and be available to play."
Josh Goater (hamstring), Brayden George (knee) and Callum Coleman-Jones (Achilles) are all trending well with their respective rehab programs.
"Josh is making encouraging gains with his hamstring strength markers which are key to his training progressions on-field, while Callum is taking significant strides towards reintegrating into some group training," White said.
"Brayden will undergo an off-site assessment on Monday to determine whether he has clearance to enter full, unrestricted group training."
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