Western Bulldogs midfielder Ryan Griffen is hopeful of a return against Sydney Swans after being a late withdrawal in Sunday’s loss to Richmond.

According to Western Bulldogs Medical Services Manager Andrew McKenzie, Griffen had a back spasm in the warm-up, which prompted his withdrawal from the side.

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“Griff had some lower back spasms in the warm-up [so] we took him inside and had a look and we felt that he wasn’t going to be able to get through the game,” McKenzie said.

“He is improving a lot and we expect that he will be assessed on Thursday and hopefully available to play this week.”

If given the all clear from medical staff, Griffen’s experience and run would be valuable through the middle against a solid Sydney outfit.

Griffen will join Shaun Higgins and Adam Cooney who are both set to face fitness tests later this week to determine their eligibility for selection.

“Their rehab have tracked well and we will look at both of those on Thursday as well in full training sessions,” McKenzie said.

Also putting their hand up for selection are defenders Lukas Markovic and Easton Wood who made a return through the VFL on the weekend.

“Both got through the VFL game well they’ve pulled up well psot that game so hopefully for them they can make a break and get back in the team,” McKenzie said.

To see the full injury list, click here.