Marcus Bontempelli will keep playing through the pain barrier for the Western Bulldogs' crunch clash with Port Adelaide.
He has been hampered by a knee issue since the Round 6 defeat to Geelong.
What's the injury?
Bontempelli has also been struggling with a heel issue, revealed by Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
Beveridge said the heel issue is the main reason Bontempelli was limping in the last game.
How's the recovery?
Bontempelli was restricted to light duties during the Bulldogs' main training session on Wednesday.
He's been able to deal with the heel issue and manage it with the team's medicos.
What's the plan?
Bontempelli wants to play, and Beveridge won't talk him out of it.
The 30-year-old has played 266 times for the Bulldogs since debuting in 2014.
Bontempelli gathered a game-high 33 disposals and two goals against Fremantle.
He kicked a soaring goal that gave the Bulldogs a chance of pinching a famous win.
The Western Bulldogs will face Port Adelaide without several key players due to injury.
Ruckman Tim English took part in some of the Bulldogs' main training after starting off in the rehab group.
Veteran midfielder Adam Treloar is battling to get his body right.
Beveridge described Treloar's availability as “tenuous”, saying he won't play at AFL or VFL level this week.
Bontempelli has only missed one other match since 2018.
He missed the first five games of last season with a calf injury.
The Bulldogs' clash with Port Adelaide is a crucial game for the team.
Bontempelli's participation will be a significant boost to the team's chances.
Beveridge said Bontempelli's pain threshold is high.
He wants to play and help his team win.
The Western Bulldogs will need all their key players to perform well against Port Adelaide.
Bontempelli's injury will be a significant challenge for the team to overcome.