Collingwood will wait until after training on Wednesday before determining whether veteran midfielder Daniel Wells makes his long-awaited return via the VFL on Friday.

The 34-year-old has not played an AFL match since he suffered a Lisfranc injury in the Queen's Birthday match against Melbourne last June.

He required surgery to fix the injury but he has been making good progress this pre-season after an injury interrupted two seasons at the Magpies, which has seen him play just 14 games.

Daniel Wells: poised to return. Credit:AAP

Wells would add significant class to the deep Magpies' midfield when he is ready however they are certain to be cautious in managing his return from the foot injury, given his history of soft tissue problems.