Draftee Matt Whitlock is set to be sidelined for the next 3-4 weeks after suffering a moderate ankle roll in a VFL match simulation that led to ligament damage and swelling.
"Matt has made strong inroads in getting the swelling down and is weight-bearing well already," North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said.
"We would envisage that he'll need a few weeks to ensure that he fully recovers to set him up for a strong return."
Defender Jackson Archer (hamstring) won't play in this week's Good Friday SuperClash, but is expected move into unrestricted full training next week and be available to play against Port Adelaide in Round 7.
"Jackson didn’t quite get to the level over the weekend of achieving his strength and assessment markers to enable a return," White said.
Brayden George is fresh off his athletic assessment testing in Sydney, with his results expected to come through on Wednesday.
"The results will determine whether we have the green light to put Brayden on the path to unrestricted full training and a return to play over the next few weeks," White said.
Josh Goater is increasing his hamstring strength and will look to have a strong week of loading this week.
He remains 3-4 weeks away but will integrate into some group training next week before progressing his intensity and speed.
A clearer timeframe has been given for ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones, with the 25-year-old scheduled to return in around 5-6 weeks.
"Callum is making steady progress in his conditioning block," White said.
"We will look to filter 'CJ' into some group skills over the next couple of weeks as we progress his end-stage rehab."
In further good news, George Wardlaw, who rolled his ankle in match simulation, and Eddie Ford (hamstring) are both available for selection.
Injury List
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