Essendon defender Michael Hibberd remains a chance to take on Geelong in Friday night’s blockbuster at Etihad Stadium.

Hibberd copped a heavy knock to his leg in Saturday night’s win over the Crows but went on to play the remainder of the game.

Club doctor Bruce Reid said the 24-year-old defender was still a strong chance to line up against the Cats.

“Michael is doing ok, he got a fair knock in the third quarter but there is no structural damage to his leg,” Reid said.

“There is a fair bit of blood at the back of his ankle so we will see how he is today and progress him up to Friday.”

“We are certainly not giving up on Michael Hibberd just because he has a bit of blood on his ankle at this stage of the week.”

Jake Carlisle is also in line to return after knee soreness kept him out of the match against the Crows last weekend.

“He is doing a lot better, he will go out and have a run today,” Reid said.

“We will re-assess him after today and hopefully he will play.”

Young defender Marty Gleeson has overcome a quad injury but will remain on the sidelines as he recovers from groin soreness.

Reid said it was important Gleeson’s long-term future was the number one priority.

“Marty is young, still growing and was starting to get a bit tight in the groins so we are being conservative because he has a wonderful future.”

“We don’t want him getting osteitis pubis for instance so we have stopped him very early and taken a conservative line with him.”

In a boost for the Bombers Tayte Pears managed to play 75 per cent of Sunday’s VFL match against Coburg after overcoming a calf strain.