Essendon defender Michael Hibberd faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG.
Hibberd missed last week’s win over Port Adelaide with a sore ankle suffered in Round 15 against Geelong.
Club doctor Brendan De Morton said Hibberd was showing positive signs in his recovery from the ankle complaint.
“Michael is progressing very well with his ankle coming along very nicely,” he said.
“He has been out running today and we will give him every chance throughout the week to get up for the game.”
“We will leave it until late this week to make the decision on his fitness.”
Young defender Marty Gleeson is showing positive signs in his recovery from groin soreness that has seen him miss the last few weeks.
Gleeson today began running as he looks to return football before the end of the season.
“Marty had some groin discomfort but is coming along well and he has actually started running again today so he is on the way back,” De Morton said.
“He will be building up his running over the next two or three weeks then get back to training before maybe getting back to playing again this season.”
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Leroy Jetta is a chance to return this week after missing Saturday’s VFL win over Box Hill with a hip injury.
“Leroy had what we call a hip pointer which is like a bruise on the brim of the pelvis.”
“It was quite sore early this week but we will give him every chance this week and I am optimistic that he will make it by the end of the week.”
Captain Jobe Watson is continuing his rehabilitation program from surgery to his rectus femoris tendon tendon.
De Morton said he remained on track to return to the field within the original diagnosis of eight to ten weeks.
“It is four weeks today since Jobe had his surgery and he is doing very well with it, he started running today,” he said.
“The surgeon’s general plan is talking about ten weeks from surgery to his return so he remains on track for that.”
