Sydney have all but confirmed ruckman Sam Naismith will miss Friday night's AFL clash with Hawthorn because of a knee injury.
The Swans have a bye after hosting the Hawks at the SCG, with the club's head of football Tom Harley noting it will be a timely break for Naismith.
"Sam's recovering from a low-grade medial ligament strain, so it's unlikely that he'll play this week," Harley said.
"The bye gives him a good opportunity to recover."
Naismith, former co-captains Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) and Kieren Jack (hip) were all racing the clock in a bid to face the Hawks.
Jack, the only one of the injured trio who remains a chance of playing in round 10, hasn't featured at any level in over a month.
Even if the veteran is passed fit and impresses at Wednesday's training session, there is every chance he will return via the seconds rather than being rushed back for Friday night.
"He is a test at this stage and we will weigh up all the facts after training as to whether he plays and where he plays," Harley said.
"He is progressing well and has had a really good hit-out in the last week or so."
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