The Sydney Swans received a boost during the week, with the good news that forward Dan Menzel is progressing quicker than expected in his recovery.
Having strained an adductor at training last week, Menzel was expected to miss 6-8 weeks of football, with a return to training expected in four weeks.
The timeline has been significantly reduced by the Swans, with Menzel expected to be available for senior selection within the next month, while returning to training in the next fortnight.
Midfielder Isaac Heeney was declared fit to take on the Blues on Saturday afternoon, despite an ankle injury limiting his ability to train in recent weeks.
Heeney suffered the injury in the Swans' final pre-season match against Gold Coast, but has played the first two games of the season.
Sydney Swans Head of Football Charlie Gardner said the young star will be available to face Carlton.
“Isaac picked up an ankle injury in our last JLT game and has been managing that injury through our first two rounds,” Gardiner said.
“He pulled up a little bit sore from the weekend but I think he will get through training and he will play this week.”
Defenders Nick Smith isn't far off making his return to senior football, as his recovery from a hamstring injury nears its final stages.
“Nick has still been battling with a return from a hamstring injury and it has taken longer than we would have hoped,” Gardiner said.
“He seems to be getting close, he is doing some solid training at the moment.
“We are really hopeful he will play at some level in the next couple of weeks – and maybe even next week.”
Fellow defender Heath Grundy, who missed the Swans' Round 2 clash against Adelaide on Friday night, is continuing to manage a back injury picked up in the JLT Series.
Having played the first game of the season against the Western Bulldogs, he missed the Adelaide clash and was ruled out of the Blues clash.
Head of Football Charlie Gardner expects Grundy to be available for selection in the coming weeks.
“Heath has a bit of a back complaint that he picked up in the JLT Series and we are just managing that,” Gardiner said.
“We are unsure whether he will be available for this week, but we are confident he will be back in the coming weeks.”
| Player | Injury | Time |
| Heath Grundy | Back | Test |
| Nick Smith | Hamstring | Test |
| Dan Menzel | Groin | 3-4 Weeks |
| Sam Naismith | Knee | Indefinite |
| Matthew Ling | Toe | Indefinite |
| Durak Tucker | Knee | Indefinite |
| Jack Maibaum | Knee | Season |
| Kurt Tippett | Retired |
Sydney Swans Injury Update - AFL Injury List
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