The Western Bulldogs could have three important players available to return for Saturday night’s clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Defenders Bailey Williams (collarbone) and Ryan Gardner (shoulder), plus ruck-forward Tim English (concussion) could all be in the frame for selection.

“Both Bailey and Ryan have completed the final stages of their rehab,” head of sports medicine, Chris Bell said.

“(They) are re-integrating back into full training this week, and if they get through training like I expect, both will return to availability.

“Tim still had some very low-level, persistent headaches last week. We don’t want to take any risks with Tim.

“He’ll continue to work closely with our doctors to determine his availability for this weekend’s game.

Lachie Hunter had surgery to repair a fracture in his hand on Monday, after playing with the injury in the second half of Sunday’s win.

“In the third quarter, Lachie was involved in a contest where he broke a small bone in his hand,” Bell said.

“This injury did require surgery to stabilise the fracture.

“Lachie has come in well today and we’ll determine his availability over the coming days.”

However, experienced ruckman Stefan Martin and speedster Laitham Vandermeer will both spend some time on the sidelines.

Martin will miss the next 2-4 weeks and Vandermeer the next 4-6 weeks.

“Stef has been suffering from some persistent Achilles tendon soreness,” Bell said.

“We’ve been managing it up until this point, but recently it’s started to impact his athletic performance. We’ve taken Stef out of games so we can return him back to 100 per cent.

“During training last Thursday, Laitham suffered some innocuous knee pain. Scans have confirmed he did suffer some cartilage damage in his knee.

“At this stage, we’re going to try management without surgery.”

Number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has also been ruled out for this week, after sustaining a concussion injury in the VFL on Sunday. 

Injury list

English (concussion) test
Gardner (shoulder) test
Williams (collarbone) test
Hunter (hand) TBC
Ugle-Hagan (concussion) TBC
McLean (knee) 2-3 weeks
Martin (Achilles) 2-4 weeks
Richards (ankle) 3-5 weeks
Vandermeer (knee) 4-6 weeks
Jong (hamstring) 9-10 weeks
Dunkley (shoulder) 10-14 weeks