COLLINGWOOD will talk to Alex Fasolo and his mental health specialists before making a call on his availability for Monday’s Queen’s Birthday blockbuster.
Fasolo missed Sunday’s win over Fremantle due to depression but had indicated a desire to make his comeback in the clash against Melbourne.
Collingwood will make a decision in the best interest of Fasolo’s health and wellbeing. He is expected to train this week.
FINALS BOUND? THE CASE FOR COLLINGWOOD
MARK ROBINSON: GOLDY’S GUTS EPITOMISE MAGPIE CHANGE
The livewire was lauded for his openness about his mental health issue last week, with the club acting swiftly to fully support the popular goalkicker.
The club confirmed Fasolo would take a short break from the game to deal with his mental health issue. Fasolo was visibly upset after the Pies’ 45-point win against the Brisbane Lions.
The Magpies could be forced to make as many as four changes for the clash against Melbourne at the MCG with father-son gem Callum Brown also on the verge of his senior debut.
Collingwood is expected to lose Daniel Wells (calf), Jamie Elliott (ankle) and Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) for several weeks, while Levi Greenwood (corked leg) is also under an injury cloud.
The Pies have salvaged their finals hopes by winning four of their past six games, leaving Nathan Buckley’s men only four points outside the eight.
Brown was an emergency last week and was one of the standouts across Collingwood’s pre-season before he was hit with glandular fever.
The busy midfielder is highly regarded for his courage, toughness and cleanness in congestion. He can also play as a small forward. Fellow father-son recruit Josh Daicos is also in the selection mix.
Wells’s setback continues his calf troubles from recent seasons, while Elliott’s diagnosis will become clearer on Tuesday when the players return to the club.
Elliott’s injury is a huge blow for the Pies.
The forward has kicked 20 goals in eight games and has helped take some of the burden off in-form spearhead Darcy Moore.
Collingwood will also consider defenders Henry Schade and Tom Langdon and midfielder James Aish for Monday’s clash. Key backman Ben Reid (quad) and speedster Travis Varcoe (hamstring) are an outside chance to play.