Reid set to replace injured Pie Fasolo

COLLINGWOOD spearhead Ben Reid could be recalled for Friday night’s clash against Western Bulldogs if he can complete main training today.

Reid, 29, has missed the past three games with an achilles injury but is expected to train fully with the rest of his teammates at Olympic Park today.

The gun swingman could step straight in for livewire Alex Fasolo who faces at least three months on the sidelines after suffering a serious syndesmosis ankle injury on Saturday night.

The Magpies are hopeful the blow does not end the goalkicker’s season.

But Reid’s return would be a welcome boost for coach Nathan Buckley on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, helping stretch an already depleted Western Bulldogs back line.

Reid was put through some running sessions at training last week but was left out of the win over St Kilda as part of a cautious rehabilitation program.

Collingwood has lost important forwards Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliott to repeat hamstring setbacks this season, sparking an investigation into its softtissue injury rate.

The Pies have vowed to get to the bottom of the injury worries as they attempt to sign a batch of key players, including Moore, Elliott, Jordan De Goey and Reid.

Free agent Reid expected to sign a one-year contract extension.

De Goey is coming off a sixgoal haul against the Saints and is attracting interest from rival clubs including St Kilda and North Melbourne. Buckley said he was impressed by his approach to the game this season after a couple of off-field indiscretions led the No. 5 draft pick to give up drinking alcohol this year.