Scott Thompson is in a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the club’s clash with West Coast on Saturday afternoon.

The defender suffered a ruptured testis in the game against the Lions, and required a minor procedure to alleviate the issue.

“Scott was hit inadvertently by a player’s heel to the groin region in the third quarter, but battled through,” North GM football Cameron Joyce said.

“He came off the ground for treatment for about ten minutes, and managed to play out the game. He was monitored by our medical staff throughout the night.

“We planned for him to go straight to the Epworth after we landed in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon to see a specialist.”

Thompson had a minor procedure to reduce the swelling and repair the testis.

“It was a pretty quick procedure and he was discharged last night,” Joyce explained.

“He’s been back at the club this morning and is hoping to play this week.

“We’ll give him until the last minute to show he’s able to play.”