GOOD NEWS: Collingwood’s injured Duo Finally Returns as confirmed by club Statement.

Collingwood have confirmed midfield pair Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell won’t face Carlton at the MCG on Friday night, with a mature-aged recruit to be named for the Round 8 blockbuster.

The Magpies revealed earlier this week that De Goey has been hampered by a groin issue while Mitchell has pulled up sore after managing a foot complaint for the start of the season.

The pair were tested in the early days of the club’s Round 8 planning; however, neither player will feature against the Blues this week after failing to be cleared.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae confirmed the double blow on Wednesday morning.

“Unfortunately Jordy won’t play, he’s got tight groins,” the premiership coach confirmed.

“We’re just going to have to back him up a little bit and hopefully get those things to settle down. Who knows when he’s available, ideally next week.

“Tom won’t play either. Tom’s got some plantar fasciitis that’s been grumbling for probably a month now.

“He’s just got to the point where we know we can do some stuff that will make a huge spike (with his fitness), then hopefully he’s back within a week or two.

“He’s been struggling with it a bit. We’re trying to get him ready to play, he couldn’t get through today.”

The pair of changes have opened the door for a debut to pre-season recruit Lachie Sullivan, who has looked at ease in the VFL after crossing from Footscray as a two-time Team of the Year player at the state league level.

Sullivan is averaging 26.0 disposals, 5.3 clearances and 4.5 tackles per game for Collingwood’s reserves to start the season, combining nicely with fourth-year Magpie Finlay Macrae under VFL coach Josh Fraser.

The club confirmed Sullivan will make his debut on Friday night in front of a crowd expected to surpass an attendance of 90,000 fans.

Macrae will also likely come into selection conversations after falling in and out of the senior lineup, having been dominant at VFL level but struggling to leave an impact against premier opposition.

The former first-round draft pick ranks among the top players in the VFL for disposals and tackles to start the 2024 season.

The Magpies would also look to recall defender Oleg Markov, which would allow a player like Jack Crisp to play more through the middle.

“We’ll just have to wait and see what that looks like,” McRae said on calling on young midfielders to replace De Goey and Mitchell.

“We understand what’s coming against a really good stoppage team. They’ve got experience and big bodies.

“What presents is opportunities for someone. You look at the VFL and Oleg Markov has been playing great footy.

“Lachie Sullivan’s name will be mentioned, I’m sure. An inside mid who’s been working hard to get an opportunity.

“Fin Macrae in the VFL is one of our strongest midfielders, Harvey Harrison did a great job as sub (against Essendon) too.”

Collingwood will name a 23-man side at 6:20 pm (AEST) on Thursday before Friday’s enticing clash against rivals Carlton.