David Zaharakis is set to face Collingwood in Saturday's Anzac Day clash, with Essendon coach James Hird declaring the key midfielder fit to play.

Zaharakis, who won the Anzac Day Medal in 2013 and kicked the match-winning goal in 2009, hurt his knee in the Bombers' win over Carlton last week.

Earlier in the week the 25-year-old was unsure if he would be fine to meet the Magpies, but he took part in the squad's light training session on Friday morning and his coach has allayed any fears Zaharakis will be a late withdrawal. 

"He's playing. Unless he gets sick overnight or falls out of his bed or something new, then he'll definitely play. I think he sleeps quite soundly so he'll be fine," Hird said on Friday.

"He got through the game and we didn't think there was much to it. The doctors rang me on Sunday and said David's knee had pulled up a little sore, but he had a scan and it showed there was a little bit of something.

"But they're confident. He trained very well yesterday and all players have something not 100 per cent about them at certain times, but he's certainly fit to play."

Key forward Jake Carlisle was also under an injury cloud earlier in the week after having scans on his hip flexor, but will also be right to play as Essendon looks to win its third consecutive match.

"Jake's ready to play. He trained very well yesterday and we're very confident they'll both play well," Hird said.