DANIEL Menzel is headed for more heartache with the Geelong forward struggling to get up for Friday night’s preliminary final.

The Cats are sweating on the fitness of Menzel who has been hampered by a groin injury in recent weeks.

It’s believed the issue has again flared and the Cats are looking increasingly unlikely to take him into the cut-throat final against Sydney.

The injury is a cruel blow for Menzel who has fought back from four knee reconstructions to reignite his AFL career.

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The 25-year-old has played 18 games this season and kicked 33 goals.

He was struck down by a groin strain during the Round 20 game against Essendon.

Menzel missed the next two weeks before returning in Round 23 where he kicked four goals against Melbourne.

media_camera Daniel Menzel is in doubt for Friday night’s preliminary final. Picture: Michael Klein

He was below his best in the qualifying final win over Hawthorn, kicking just one goal from 11 possessions.

That performance sounded alarm bells in the Cats inner sanctum with concern the injury had re-surfaced.

His likely absence will pave the way for regular defender Lachie Henderson to return and play as a lead-up forward.

Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel is also expected to keep his spot.