Max Gawn in action during Melbourne's win over St Kilda in round eight, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE captain Max Gawn has avoided any structural damage to his knee and looks set to face West Coast.

Gawn hurt his knee in a ruck contest with Paddy Ryder in Melbourne's win over St Kilda and had scans on Monday.

The results came back clear on Tuesday, allowing Gawn to train this week.

MEDICAL ROOM Check out the full injury list

Gawn had already played down the severity of his injury and hadn't expected to miss any game time.

"It's not that bad, I managed to play out the game," Gawn told Nova radio on Monday.

"I did sit forward a lot, Luke Jackson did a lot of the ruck work in the second half, but I think I’m OK."

Max Gawn in action during Melbourne's win over St Kilda in round eight, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

The Demons will come up against a depleted Eagles ruck division on Sunday, with Nic Naitanui (knee) and Bailey Williams (hamstring) sidelined.

In further good news for Melbourne, classy defender Christian Salem will return to training this week and is expected to be available for selection in the next fortnight.

The premiership half-back hasn't played since round one after requiring surgery on chipped cartilage in his knee.

Christian Salem on crutches after the win over the Western Bulldogs in round one, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos