West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is on track to make his AFL return within the next month after increasing his training loads in recent weeks.

Naitanui has been grounded since undergoing groin surgery during the off-season.

The 201cm All Australian was initially slated to be back for the season opener, but his slower-than-expected recovery and recent history of groin issues pushed back his return date.

Naitanui is almost back in full training, and Eagles coach John Worsfold said the 22-year-old might be available for selection in another three to four weeks if everything kept going to plan.

“From what I’ve seen he’s been stepping up his workload so there’s no holding him back at the moment,” Worsfold said on Wednesday.

“He’s progressing with a view to be back playing pretty soon.”

Former Pie Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) is also around three to four weeks away, but wingman Matt Rosa is likely to return via the WAFL this week after overcoming a quad injury.

Defender Eric Mackenzie, who has missed the past two games due to a hamstring injury, is set to return for Saturday night’s home clash with Carlton, but veteran Andrew Embley has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a foot injury.