Ben Reid will not take the field this weekend, with Collingwood Director of Football Neil Balme confirming the All-Australian defender is battling what could be a calf strain.

Reid was absent from Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon as the VFL Magpies defeated fourth-placed Sandringham.

The injury comes after the 25-year-old sat out the final quarter in the VFL the previous week against Box Hill.

“Unfortunately Ben Reid missed (the VFL) with a calf problem. That’s now looking like it maybe might even be a strain,” Balme told Collingwood Media’s ‘Blackmores Injury Update’.

View Collingwood's updated injury list now.

“He’ll miss this week, hopefully no longer than that… It’s pretty disappointing.”

Reid was joined on the sidelines on the weekend by midfielder Levi Greenwood.

Greenwood averaged 21 disposals in two VFL games for the Magpies after successfully recovering from a broken tibia.

Balme stated his current absence is unrelated, with the former Kangaroo suffering a thigh problem.

The injury isn’t severe, and Greenwood is expected to return this weekend.

“He had a bit of soreness in his thigh,” Balme said.

“We’re pretty confident, in fact very confident that he’ll play this week.”

Balme’s weekly injury update confirmed the good news that the Magpies got through its Friday night clash with Hawthorn unscathed.

A host of Magpies remain on the sidelines, however Balme is confident the health of the list remains in positive shape.

Tyson Goldsack is expected to be missing for “as long as it takes” with knee tendinopathy however Balme believes the injury remains a short term issue.

Tony Armstrong and Brenden Abbott both carried injuries in the VFL with the normally busy Armstrong limited to 11 disposals, while Abbott came off the ground in the final minutes with a shoulder injury.

“Armstrong also had a bit of soreness in his knee… he’s been a little bit sore but he’s recovered reasonably well so we’re pretty hopeful that he’ll play this week,” Balme said.

“Brenden Abbott had a similar issue in the VFL. He hurt his shoulder and had to come off. But he’s responded well and we’re pretty confident that he’ll be available this week.”

While Jackson Ramsay (shin), Brent Macaffer (knee) and Nathan Freeman (hamstring) all remain medium term, Balme was pleased to comment on the successful VFL returns of two returning ruckmen.

Brodie Grundy made a successful return from injury in the VFL after a neck injury. It’s really pleasing to see, he had a terrific game. And it was also great to see Mason Cox with him in the ruck. He’s making good progress after being rested last week.”

View Collingwood's updated injury list now.