GEELONG ruckman Rhys Stanley is nursing a groin complaint that could open the door for one of three ruck options for Sunday's clash with Essendon. 

Stanley pulled up sore in the dying stages of last week's win over the Western Bulldogs and was restricted to light duties at training on Tuesday morning.

It has him in doubt to face the Bombers, in a match that could also see skipper Joel Selwood miss for a third consecutive week.  

"(There's) a little bit to work through with (Stanley)," coach Chris Scott said on Tuesday.

"He was a little bit sore, but very, very minor. He's far from ruled out this week.

"That decision will be delayed. If he does miss this week, it's on that threshold, as opposed to being any longer than that."

Should Stanley not come up, fellow big man Darcy Fort is in line for a return after a foot injury ruled him out after round seven.

Fort is yet to play a scratch match and missed Saturday's hit-out through illness, but will be in the frame along with Esava Ratugolea and Josh Jenkins, who both performed strongly against the Dogs' reserves.  

Selwood has missed the past two matches with a knee complaint and is no certainty to tackle Essendon despite a nine-day break.

"We're not going to play him until we're sure that he can play at his best, and not only in that week, but play consecutive weeks for the rest of the season," Scott said.

"His training session this morning was really promising, so we haven't taken it off the table, but I wouldn't panic if he doesn't play this week."

Scott also forecast the Cats would soon make an announcement on Nakia Cockatoo's short-term playing plans, however it won't involve him playing at AFL level this week.

The injury-plagued speedster, who has been joined in the Queensland hub by his pregnant partner, is yet to play AFL this season.