CAPTAIN Marc Murphy is in line to make his awaited return to the field this weekend, when the Blues face the Demons at the MCG on Sunday.

The reigning John Nicholls Medallist was sidelined with a plantar fascia injury in Round 4, and Head of Football Andrew McKay said the 30-year-old would face final fitness testing at the back end of the week before being deemed available for selection.

“Marc Murphy has been out for quite some time managing that plantar fascia injury,” McKay said.

“He’s been training really these past couple of weeks and he’ll now be a test at the end of this week before he can be considered for the game on Sunday against the Demons.”

In further good news for the Club, youngsters Tom Williamson and David Cuningham will also face fitness tests after being sidelined for a sustained period with back and hamstring injuries respectively. 

“Tom Williamson has been out for quite some time with that back issue. He’s been training well the past couple of weeks and we’re expecting him to play this week at the VFL level but we need to test him at the end of the week to ensure he’s up for selection,” McKay said. 

“David Cuningham has had that hamstring issue over the past few weeks. He’s back into full training now and will be a test at the end of the week to see if he will be available for the Demons game.” .

Impressive defender Caleb Marchbank looks set for a further week on the sidelines, with bone bruising delaying his return from an ankle injury.

“Caleb’s ankle is taking a little bit longer than we would’ve liked in terms of his recovery. He’s got a bit of bone bruising there which is holding things up a little bit,” McKay said.

“He won’t be available this week but we’re quite hopeful for the following week.”

McKay said key forward Levi Casboult was improving quickly, after fracturing his rib a fortnight ago in the Blues’ clash with Adelaide.

“Levi cracked that rib in Adelaide a couple of weeks ago. He’s going well and improving quickly. He’s still a few weeks away as we need that fracture to heal completely,” he said.

After fracturing his collarbone in the VFL, McKay revealed Kym Lebois last week had a plate inserted and is on a managed rehabilitation program.

“Kym had a plate inserted in his collarbone last week. He’s progressing really well but is still about five weeks away though, as we’ll need to let that heal properly,” he said.

Meanwhile, tall defender Harrison Macreadie is eyeing a return to the track within the next fortnight as he continues to manage a low-grade hamstring injury.

“Harrison Macreadie was out with that hamstring a week or so ago. He is still progressing well and while he won’t be ready this week, we’re hoping (he’s available) next week or the one following that,” McKay said.

Veteran Alex Silvagni is in line for a return to training within the next week, while Cillian McDaid is resuming training loads.

“Alex Silvagni has been having issues with that achilles injury. Unfortunately its been a slow progression but he’ll work back into training next week and then be available for selection after a couple weeks worth of training,” McKay said.

“Cillian McDaid has had that hotspot on his foot but is starting to build up his (training) load now. He’ll be available in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Both Ciaran Byrne (quad) and Jarrod Pickett (wrist) look set to make their returns to the field following the Club’s bye round in early June.

“Ciaran Byrne strained his quad a couple of weeks ago. It’s a pretty significant injury and he’ll be available after the bye,” he said.

“Jarrod Pickett has had that pin out of his wrist about 10 days ago. While he’s progressing really well he won’t be available until at least after the bye.”

INJURY UPDATE - WEDNESDAY 16 MAY

Marc Murphy (plantar fascia – test)

David Cuningham (hamstring – test)

Tom Williamson (back – test)

Caleb Marchbank (ankle – 1 week)

Harrison Macreadie (hamstring – 1-2 weeks)

Alex Silvagni (achilles – 2 weeks)

Cillian McDaid (foot – 2 weeks)

Levi Casboult (ribs – 3 weeks)

Ciaran Byrne (quad – 4 weeks)

Kym Lebois (collarbone – 5 weeks)

Jarrod Pickett (scaphoid – 5 weeks)

Sam Docherty (knee - season)