Fremantle are set to unleash skipper Alex Pearce against Port Adelaide, but coach Justin Longmuir says he's yet to make up his mind about Nat Fyfe.
Pearce has played just once over the past 10 weeks due to a hot spot in his shin.
The 30-year-old was struck down by the injury following the round 11 win over Port, returned against Sydney in round 17, before being grounded by a recurrence.
After spending the past month on the sidelines, Pearce is ready to come back again, but there are no guarantees about how he'll pull up.
"With this injury, he's not going to be 100 per cent," Longmuir said before training on Wednesday.
"We're not sure how it's going to pull up in some sense after running 13.5km and being as combative as he is in a game of AFL."
Pearce will be locked in to play against the Power at Adelaide Oval on Saturday as long as he pulls up well from main training.
The path forward for Fyfe isn't as clear.
Fyfe was best afield in his WAFL return last week, tallying 27 disposals in less than three quarters to prove he has overcome the calf strain he suffered while warming up as Fremantle's sub against St Kilda in round 16.
Knee, hamstring and calf injuries have restricted Fyfe to just three AFL appearances this season, but the 33-year-old's big body and big-game experience could prove crucial as the Dockers attempt to lock away a top-four berth.
Longmuir urgently needs to find a ready-made replacement for star midfielder Hayden Young, who will miss at least two weeks with an adductor strain.
Fyfe could return against Port - potentially as the sub - or be given another run in the WAFL to build up more match fitness and confidence.
"I'll have a chat to him after training," Longmuir said.
"For me, all options are on the table. I haven't made up my mind yet.
"It's been a great effort (to put himself back in the selection picture). He's been dealing with injuries for a number of years now.
"To show the resilience to be able to keep bouncing back after as many setbacks he's had, and keep presenting himself in a way he does, is a credit to himself.
"It's admirable, and for us to even be talking about this now is a credit to the work he's put in."
Corey Wagner (heel) is another player who is on the verge of making a comeback.
Fifth-placed Fremantle (14-6) have won 10 of their past 11 matches.
After facing the Power in Adelaide, Freo host the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium and then round out their home-and-away campaign away to the Western Bulldogs.
