Injured Magpie Ben Reid believes he is a near certainty to play in next week’s preliminary final on Friday night.

Reid injured his groin in a training drill on the MCG last Wednesday and was a subsequent late withdrawal from the qualifying final win over West Coast.

The 22-year-old believes he will be back training with the side next Monday after successfully completing several runs during the week. 

“I am very confident I will be available to play for the prelim,” Reid told collingwoodfc.com.au inside the Westpac Centre on Wednesday.

“I have been running this week and the doctors have told me I am a 95 per cent chance to play.

“If anything, the two weeks off has allowed me to freshen up ahead of Friday night.

“It is very similar to last year where I injured my quad in round 19 and missed the two matches.

“I came back in round 22, feeling really fresh, and played out the finals campaign in good condition.”

Collingwood’s injury list is minimal heading into preliminary final week comprising only three long-term injuries; Nathan Brown, Brad Dick and Tom Hunter.

With Reid’s probable return, the match committee faces the possibility of making two changes next week with Dale Thomas also available for selection after serving a two-match suspension.

The club will hold an open training session at Gosch’s Paddock on Friday morning before continuing next week’s preliminary final preparation.