Joe Burns has been cleared of serious damage to his arm, while concussed young gun Will Pucovski has been ruled out of a Boxing Day Test debut.
Burns copped a nasty blow to the elbow on Saturday, when his unbeaten 51 helped Australia complete an eight-wicket win over India at Adelaide Oval.
The opener was clearly bothered after being struck by the Jasprit Bumrah delivery but batted on, finding form as he outscored India's entire second innings in the lopsided day-night Test.
There were fears Burns, who was sent for scans, could join Australia's extensive injury list.
But the Queenslander has been cleared of a broken arm and is set to open at the MCG, where the hosts will pursue a 2-0 series lead in the four-Test series.
The identity of Burns' opening partner remains up in the air.
David Warner, who rushed to Melbourne on Saturday amid growing concerns about Sydney's COVID-19 cluster, will be racing the clock as he recovers from a groin strain.
Pucovski, who suffered a concussion when struck on the helmet during a recent tour game, has been ruled out of the second Test.
Australia are adopting an understandably conservative approach as the Victorian recovers from his ninth concussion.
Matthew Wade served as Australia's makeshift opener in Adelaide, sharing a 70-run stand with Burns in the final innings of the pink-ball Test.
