Star midfielder Adam Treloar could be available to return against Essendon this week.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury in round 10 against St Kilda.

Treloar had surgery to repair the injury and after a slightly delayed rehabilitation timeline is now on the verge of bolstering the Bulldogs’ line-up.

“Adam has had a great block of six week following his syndesmosis injury,” head of medical services, Chris Bell, said.

“He hasn’t skipped a beat since he’s been back training with the main group. He will look to return to selection availability for this weekend.”

The Bulldogs will also likely have Taylor Duryea and Ed Richards return to availability.

Both missed Saturday’s win against the Adelaide Crows – Duryea was managed, while Richards sat out under concussion protocols after being injured the previous week against Melbourne.

“Ed still has some boxes to tick following the concussion he suffered in round 19. If he comes through (training) like I expect, he will return to playing this weekend,” Bell said.

“Taylor had some persisting general soreness following our game against Melbourne. He’s come in really well today and if he fully trains this week like I expect, he’ll return to playing this weekend.”

Injury list

Taylor Duryea (managed) – test
Ed Richards (concussion) – test
Adam Treloar (ankle) – test
Ryan Gardner (shoulder) – 1-2 weeks
Louis Butler (calf) – 2-3 weeks
Lin Jong (hamstring) – 2-3 weeks
Stefan Martin (groin/hip) – 2-3 weeks
Alex Keath (hamstring) – 2-3 weeks
Toby McLean (knee) - season