Collingwood youngster Marley Williams will miss the rest of the season after being booked in for shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old, who made his debut in round nine against Adelaide and has played every game since, hurt his shoulder in Friday night's 23-point loss to Carlton at the MCG and requires a season-ending operation.

"It's unfortunate because it takes away unlimited possibilities for the end of this year but he'll make sure he gets that right and set himself for his next crack at it, which will be after a full pre-season next year," coach Nathan Buckley said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Buckley said vice-captain Scott Pendlebury was a chance to face Geelong on Saturday night but would need medical clearance later this week.

Pendlebury was expected to return against Carlton but failed to be cleared by the club's doctors at the final training session on Thursday.

"He's been close to getting the green light the last two weeks. We were very close last week but in the end you make the decision based on the recommendation of your medical staff," Buckley said.

"There was 10 per cent more healing to take place and we were pretty confident this week was going to get him over the top.

"I can't categorically say he's going to be in until we get the green light from the doctor."

Dale Thomas, who bruised his foot against the Blues and was in a moon boot on Saturday, remains a chance to come up for the Grand Final rematch. 

"He's come out of it pretty well. It was very graphic vision and it hurt him a fair bit at the time but he's become the ultimate professional this week," Buckley said.

"He's had the foot in the ice bucket more often than not and it's just a matter of getting the swelling down because he was cleared of structural damage, which was good."

Chris Tarrant is in line for a recall after kicking four goals in the VFL on Sunday.

Buckley said the veteran could play forward or in defence if he returned, with Geelong's forwards a consideration in determining his position.

"He cut his teeth as a forward when he started and in recent times he's been a defender … I think it's just fantastic for him to get through four quarters of football," he said.

"We'll have a look at where he's at."

Alan Didak is working his way back through "specific football load" in training and is nearing a return from an adductor tear.

Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.