Elliot Yeo has declared he is itching to return to West Coast’s side before the end of this season, but the Eagles say the midfield bull is still a month away.

Yeo has again been listed as three-to-five weeks away in the club’s latest official injury list, which also has defender Harry Edwards down as a test in his bid to recover from a hamstring injury.

Yeo injured both his knee and ankle in a pre-season match simulation and has since undergone two surgeries. He has not played a home-and-away match this season.

But the veteran returned to drill work with his teammates on Monday and high performance manager Mat Inness said the club are now looking to build up his training loads.

“Elliot is still around a month away from returning as we integrate him further into main training,” he said.

Yeo said the Monday session was a step forward.

“I joined in some drills (on Monday), so there’s some progress, which is great,” he said on 96FM.

“We’re getting there. I can’t wait to get back … I’m itching to get back.

“I hate running, and I hate doing everything other than playing football.”

As the Eagles face an almighty challenge against ladder leaders Collingwood this weekend, defender Tom Cole put in a strong session as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.

“He’s tracking in the right direction but still has a few boxes to tick later this week before he’s declared available,” Inness said.

Key defender Edwards, who came off injured in the Eagles’ loss to Carlton before the bye, will also be a test with the club declaring he is “symptom free,” after reporting hamstring tightness.

“His scan results were reassuring; however, he will be tested this weekend, and he’ll need to complete training on Wednesday to be cleared for selection,” Inness said.

However, recruit Matt Owies is likely to face another week on the sidelines from a calf strain he picked up in round 10.

“Matt is tracking well and continuing to build his loads, but he’s more likely to be available next week,” Inness said.

Round 16 INJURY LIST

Tom Cole (hamstring) - test

Harry Edwards (hamstring) - test

Matt Owies (calf) - 1 week

Elliot Yeo (ankle) - 3-5 weeks

Oscar Allen (Achilles/knee) - season

Jake Waterman (shoulder) - season

Dom Sheed (knee) - season

Jeremy McGovern (concussion) - retired