Essendon Captain Brendon Goddard is on track to return to the side to take on Carlton on Saturday.

Goddard suffered a small tear to one of his groin muscles against Geelong two weeks ago.

But he’s back in training and getting through the main session later this week shapes as the only obstacle remaining.

“Brendon’s completed all of his rehab, he’s joining in with the main group now and we expect him to play on Saturday,” High Performance Manager Justin Crow said. 

Aaron Francis is also set to be available after overcoming a cork to his calf.

The number six draft pick has missed the last two weeks, but will train tomorrow and is expected to put his hand up for selection.

Courtenay Dempsey and Ryan Crowley will face fitness tests later in the week before a decision is made on their availability.

Both players are looking to return after suffering hamstring injuries. 

“We’ll monitor those guys throughout the week,” Crow said.

“They’ll need to get through a number of different hamstring tests but they’ll be given every chance of being available to play.”