Melbourne vice-captain Aaron Davey has been ruled out of Friday night's clash against Carlton with a knee injury.
Davey, who has been under the media microscope due to his moderate form, will see a specialist on Friday to determine the extent of the injury suffered in the Demons' 20-point, Round 9 loss to St Kilda.
Melbourne coach Dean Bailey revealed that Davey may also miss the club's Round 11 showdown against Essendon.
"He won't play this week and he'd be doubtful next week," Bailey said.
"It came out of the game on the weekend - he just twist and turned, we're not sure if it's his meniscus or cartilage. He'll be seeing a specialist tomorrow in regards to his knee."
The news on Davey only adds to a horror Demons injury list that contains Rohan Bail (knee), Colin Garland (ankle), Jack Grimes (foot), Mark Jamar (knee) and Luke Tapscott (hamstring).
In brighter news for Melbourne, gun midfielder Tom Scully will make his return from a patella injury for the Demons' VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions against Williamstown on Saturday.
Bailey admits it will be a wait-and-see approach with the former No.1 draft pick on when he makes his AFL return.
"His running has really improved significantly the last four to five weeks, he's not any signs of (soreness in) his knee," Bailey said.
"The game is going to be the biggest test. If he pulls up and trains well next week, if the medical people allow him to be selected."
"He's got to make sure his preparation's right, that's the most important thing. You don't want to roll them straight in if there's a chance of further injury, not to the knee, but soft tissue because you're playing at an intensity that's well above VFL."
Melbourne will unveil their third debutant of the 2011 season against the high-flying Blues with Daniel Nicholson activated from the rookie list.
Nicholson, a 20-year-old originally from the western district of Victoria, was taken by the Demons with the first pick of the 2011 rookie draft after two stellar seasons for the University Blues in the VAFA.
"His form at the VFL level has been outstanding. He really deserves his opportunity and we're really excited about the form he's shown the last three, four weeks. He'll give 100 percent during the game," Bailey said.