COLLINGWOOD has no doubts over the fitness of captain Scott Pendlebury ahead of its return to the AFL Finals, claiming he could play this week if he had to.

Pendlebury's wife, Alex, posted on Instagram on Thursday that the classy midfielder had been suffering from viral meningitis, but was now "well on the mend".

However, Collingwood has denied that Pendlebury is battling the debilitating illness, saying he has viral-like symptoms, but not the more significant viral meningitis.

Viral meningitis is an infection of the covering of the spinal cord and brain, caused by a variety of viruses. The symptoms can include a headache, a fever and vomiting.

Adelaide forward Tom Lynch battled viral meningitis midway through last season, spending two nights in intensive care and losing around 5kg as a result of the sickness.

Lynch also missed two games before returning to the team.

However, Collingwood remains confident Pendlebury will recover in time for Saturday week's qualifying final against West Coast in Perth, with club doctors even suggesting he could play this week if need be.

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The Magpies revealed that Pendlebury was unwell earlier this week, when he was forced to be replaced by Steele Sidebottom for Wednesday's annual pre-finals media call.

"He was a bit crook yesterday," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said.

"(It was) viral. We chose not to allow him to come in and affect negatively on his teammates.

"He might have known there was a media call on, he generally reads the play pretty well.

"His timing is immaculate. He's picked a weekend off to get crook, but he'll be fine. He's a resilient character."

On Friday, Collingwood announced that Pendlebury will front the media at a Monday afternoon press conference.