Collingwood is prepared to take a few "risks" in star midfielder Dane Swan's recovery from a serious leg injury to give him the best chance to play again in 2016. 

Coach Nathan Buckley conceded there was no certainty that Swan would be back on the field this season, but the star Pie is committed to giving it his best shot.

"I had a good chat to ‘Swanny’ a couple of days ago and his focus is getting back for August," Buckley said on Friday.

"He understands there's probably going to be some risks he'll take in his rehab to accelerate it in an effort to get back in time for this year."

Swan, who had surgery on his foot and leg earlier this month, was back in the gym at the Holden Centre on Friday and the plan is for him to be out of the moon boot in a fortnight's time before progressing into weight-bearing exercise.

Buckley said there was "a lot of unknowns" about Swan's "extreme" injury, and the 2011 Brownlow Medallist would be closely monitored during his comeback attempt.

"In those conversations, we table everything – the form of the team, whether we're going to qualify for the last part of the year and whether he has that light at the end of the tunnel," Buckley said.

"He's absolutely focused on getting back and playing some form of role this year.

"Swanny's injury was rare, it was fairly extreme. Whilst we've spoken about what his will is, it's probably more likely than not that he'll struggle to get back.

"But I'm happy to hear him say that he wants to and we won't be standing in his way."

The Pies will take a squad of 23 or 24 players to Perth to take on West Coast and make a call on the inclusions prior to Sunday's match at Domain Stadium.

Defender Tom Langdon is likely to replace Travis Varcoe (hamstring), while Ben Sinclair has recovered from his concussion and is available for selection.

Midfielder Taylor Adams will also need to be replaced, the club announcing his withdrawal from the squad on Friday afternoon due to a knee issue.