Western Bulldogs defender Ed Richards will be put to the test this week ahead of a blockbuster clash against Collingwood.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined for the past month with a hamstring injury, but could return to the action as early as this Friday night if he gets through training unscathed.

“Ed has continued to aggressively attack his rehabilitation following his hamstring injury,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, said.

“On the weekend, he completed a match-type rehab session and pulled up really well.

“We will look to tick some final boxes with Ed this week before confirming if he returns to availability this weekend against the Pies or next Thursday against Sydney.”

Fellow defender Jason Johannisen is also making progress with his own hamstring complaint, as the 30-year-old eyes a return at the end of this month.

“JJ has been incredibly professional and diligent during the recovery following his hamstring injury,” Bell said.

“He is starting to integrate into some football drills, and we are starting to progress him back towards running at his top end speed.

“We won’t be taking any risks with JJ, but if he continues to progress as we have planned, he will be a chance to return in the next 2-3 weeks.”

The Bulldogs emerged from both their AFL and VFL games this past weekend without any serious injury concerns.

Injury List

Riley Garcia (groin) – test
Ed Richards (hamstring) – test
Harvey Gallagher (finger) – test
Jason Johannisen (hamstring) – 2-3 weeks
Toby McLean (lower back) – 2-4 weeks
Hayden Crozier (hamstring) – 6-8 weeks
Liam Jones (forearm) – 6-8 weeks
Tim O’Brien (hamstring) – 6-8 weeks
Roarke Smith (foot) – indefinite