Influential defender Hayden Crozier could be in line to return this week against the Gold Coast Suns.

Crozier has missed the first four rounds of the season, after sustaining an AC joint injury in the Bulldogs’ pre-season match against Melbourne.

However, he has returned to full training and could be back to face the Suns.

“He’s travelling really well and has a good block of training under his belt,” head of sports medicine, Chris Bell, said.

“If he gets through full training this week like we expect, he will return to availability.”

The return of Crozier would help to offset the loss of All Australian half-back Caleb Daniel, who will miss this week due to a one-week suspension.

Experienced backman Easton Wood, who has returned strongly from a hamstring injury over the past fortnight, believes Crozier is every chance to play.

“It’s pretty quick – a remarkable recovery if he can get back, it was a pretty nasty AC joint injury,” Wood said.

“But he’s tough as nails, ‘Crozzy’, he’s an incredibly strong man so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get up.”

Injury list

Mitch Hannan (concussion) test
Hayden Crozier (shoulder) test
Ed Richards (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Ryan Gardner (shoulder) 5-7 weeks
Toby McLean (knee) 6-8 weeks