Josh Bruce will return to football this weekend following a 10-month layoff due to an ACL injury suffered last season.
The key-forward will line-up for Footscray in the VFL against Carlton on Friday night.
“As with all ACL injuries, we have made Josh jump through every hoop to make sure that he has done everything possible to minimise his chance of recurrent injury, as well as preparing his body to perform at the elite level,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell said.
“Bruce has done everything we have asked, and we are looking forward to seeing him pull on the jumper again.”
Lachie Hunter will also make his return in the same fixture after taking personal leave away from the Club earlier this year.
Charlie Parker is set for a stint on the sidelines, succumbing to a hamstring injury in a VFL match prior to the bye.
“Charlie got caught in an awkward position when he was tackled that has caused an overstretching injury to his hamstring,” Bell said.
“Scans confirmed a moderate grade injury that will see Charlie miss the next 5-6 weeks.”
Riley Garcia is set to play his first match since Round 5, recovering from a knee cartilage injury and will play VFL.
Injury List
Riley Garcia (knee) – available
Josh Bruce (knee) – available
Lachie Hunter (personal) – available
Stefan Martin (shoulder) – 1-2 weeks
Toby McLean (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Mitch Hannan (concussion) – 1-2 weeks
Laith Vandermeer (hamstring) – 3-4 weeks
Charlie Parker (hamstring) – 5-7 weeks
