NICK Salter is close to returning to playing duties, after club fitness staff listed him for assessment at training this week.

Salter was added to the long-term injury list in February after suffering a foot fracture.

Director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson told portadelaidefc.com.au Salter is expected to be cleared to return to football at SANFL level after training this week.

Watch: Campbell Heath talking at the Power's recovery session follow it's big win over the Crows.

“Look we expect him to be right to go; he’s already done significant training, we’d be surprised if he wasn’t to get through,” Richardson said.

Paul Stewart was substituted from Sunday's match against the Crows with a minor knee complaint, but Richardson feels he is a better than 50:50 chance to play against the Gold Coast.

"Obviously Stewart was subbed from the game but we'll review him at training during the week and are hopeful that he'll pull up fine."

The return of Brendon Ah Chee from a knee injury at the weekend with Port Adelaide’s SANFL reserves side coupled with the likely removal of Salter from the long-term injury list will mean that Port has just one player out – Brett Ebert.

Ebert recently underwent adductor surgery and has already returned to the track.

He is expected to be available to play in May.

“Ebo (Ebert) is probably 5 weeks away from playing,” Richardson explained.

“He’s at the walk-jog stage now, and so far so good.

“Basically he’ll be advanced back to playing based on the work he does and how he pulls up from the work he does.”

portadelaidefc.com.au has the exclusive inside word on Port Adelaide’s injuries every Monday evening.

Port Adelaide injury list at the completion of Round 3
Paul Stewart – knee (assess)