It’s been some time since we’ve seen Ben Sinclair in a Black and White jumper.

The 25-year-old tore his hamstring during the third quarter of the first match of the pre-season against Essendon on 16 February.

He underwent surgery in the days that followed, and has steadily worked through his rehabilitation in the months since.

The defender is scheduled to meet a specialist to deal with the next phase in his return.

“Ben will see a specialist in the next seven days in relation to what we think is a bit of a nerve entrapment in the hamstring area,” General Manager of Football Geoff Walsh told Collingwood Media’s Blackmores Injury Update.

Click here to view Collingwood's updated injury list.

“He is battling to overcome that.

“He is running and doing quite a bit on the track, but we are looking to get him to full speed, so we will see what that specialist appointment brings in the next seven days.”

Sinclair has played 63 senior games since making his debut in 2011.

Hamstring and concussion issues have limited his output in recent years, although he managed to play 13 of the first 17 games in 2016.

Meanwhile, Collingwood is likely to be without two of its youngest players this weekend.

Ben Crocker is in a moon boot after injuring his ankle in the VFL win over Geelong, while Brayden Sier is carrying a foot complaint from the same match.

Crocker will sit out this weekend’s round of matches, while Sier will be tested later this week.