Veteran forward Jack Darling and defender Jackson Archer will both face tests to determine their availability for this weekend's action.

Darling suffered a cut to his shin during the first quarter of Saturday's win over Carlton.

He played out the match without major discomfort before having the wound stitched and bandaged post-game. He will face a test later in the week to determine whether the injury has sufficiently healed.

Archer experienced hamstring tightness in the opening quarter of Saturday's one-point VFL win over Carlton, in his second game after returning from a high-grade hamstring strain.

"Given Jackson's recent hamstring injury the cautious approach was taken to remove him from the game," North Melbourne head physiotherapist Brenton Egglestone said.

"He's pulled up well in the following days. We'll build up his work this week and he'll be a test later in the week."

Young onballer Luke Urquhart has improved this week after being sidelined due to a hip flexor complaint. He will test through the week to determine his availability for the weekend's games. 

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Eddie Ford (foot) and Josh Goater (quad) are both 2-3 weeks away from making their returns.

"Eddie has made really good progress in the last week reducing his foot swelling," Egglestone said.

"He'll return to running this week and will look to build his agility and football skills as comfort allows over the next seven days.

"Josh will look to have two strong weeks of group training to gain confidence and momentum towards getting back to match minutes."

Aidan Corr (calf) is tracking well and has returned to running. The defender sits three weeks away from a comeback.

Injury List

Player Injury Estimated Return
34. Jackson Archer

34. Jackson Archer

Ankle/Fibula Pre-season - modified program
33. Brayden George

33. Brayden George

Shoulder Pre-season - modified program
20. Nick Larkey

20. Nick Larkey

Knee Pre-season - modified program
11. Luke McDonald

11. Luke McDonald

Shoulder Pre-season - modified program
44. Cam Zurhaar

44. Cam Zurhaar

Ankle Pre-season - modified program

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