COLLINGWOOD defender Matt Scharenberg is a strong chance to play his first game in 630 days on Sunday against the Brisbane Lions.

The 21-year-old followed up two 34-disposal games in the VFL with 41 possessions last Saturday against Box Hill to make a powerful case for his return.

However, the Magpies will only pick a squad on Thursday night for the game and won't finalise selection until after Thursday's training session is completed.

The 21-year-old defender has played just four games for the Magpies, having had two knee reconstructions since being pick No.6 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

The Magpies were keen for Scharenberg to get a body of work under his belt before he returned to the senior side, and he has played well throughout the VFL season, sitting second in the competition for disposals.

Scharenberg had his first knee operation after hurting his knee in the VFL in round 22, 2014, and made a comeback in the VFL early in 2015, before making his AFL debut in round 18 against Melbourne.

He then injured his knee at pre-season training ahead of the 2016 season and missed the year. 

Scharenberg reads the play well and is a good ball user but Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was coy about his selection chances when asked earlier in the week.

"Shaz (Scharenberg) has put a really good block of VFL form together and he's clearly getting a lot of the footy," Buckley said.

"All he can continue to do is play the role that's expected of him."

The Magpies will have to make at least one change to the team that defeated Hawthorn last Saturday night, having lost James Aish to injury for the next fortnight after he fractured his cheekbone.