Midfielder Brent Stanton faces a race against time to be fit for Friday night’s blockbuster against Geelong at Etihad Stadium.

Stanton was subbed out of the game against GWS on Saturday mid way through the third quarter after suffering a knock to his groin.

Football Operations Manager Steve Alessio said Stanton would have to train this week in order to take his place in the team.

“Stants copped a knock during the game last week, he has had scans which show that it should come up all right,” Alessio said.

“He is going to test it out at training and hopefully come up this weekend.”

The Bombers are set to recall up to six senior players for the top of the table clash.

Alessio confirming Michael Hurley, Dustin Fletcher, Jason Winderlich, Dyson Heppell, Jake Carlisle and Paddy Ryder will all return to the side.

“They will all be training and putting their hand up for this weekend’s match,” he said.

“Hopefully they all train well on the track and all come into the side if all goes well.”

Ryder’s return from suspension comes at a perfect time for the club with big man David Hille granted leave to attend a long standing family commitment overseas.

“He has gone away overseas for the next couple of weeks for a family function, it is a good way to manage him in the last year of his AFL career,” Alessio said.

“Hopefully he comes back nice and refreshed to tackle the second half of the season.”

Hille will return from his overseas commitment and be available for selection in two weeks.

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