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[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.afl.com.au/news/1282546/untried-defender-jedd-busslinger-in-frame-for-debut-in-western-bulldogs-centenary-match[/URL]

FOOTSCRAY defender James O'Donnell has been ruled out of Friday night's centennial fixture against Collingwood after breaking his jaw in round one, opening the door for former first-round pick Jedd Busslinger to be considered for a debut.

O'Donnell underwent surgery to repair his jaw on Monday after an incident in the 16-point win over North Melbourne last Saturday night.

The 22-year-old will push to be available against Carlton next Friday night, but another injury creates another headache for Footscray coach Luke Beveridge.

"He won't play," Beveridge told reporters at Mission Whitten Oval on Thursday morning.  

"He trained yesterday and trained fully. But it is pretty traumatic when you have your jaw broken and have a plate put in and losing a wisdom tooth.

"He was still a bit swollen yesterday, so it's probably not right that he plays. Hopefully he is a candidate for the following week." 

Buku Khamis was an emergency against the Kangaroos and considered most likely to replace O'Donnell down back, but Beveridge said Busslinger will also be debated at match committee on Thursday.

The 2022 No.13 pick is yet to play at senior level since being recruited from East Perth, but after finishing third in the VFL best and fairest last year, the 198cm key defender is closing in on a debut.

"Jedd is under consideration," Beveridge said.

"His form has been pretty good, so we will make a call between him and Buku to play that key spot. One of those lads will be selected in the starting line-up." 

Veteran defender Liam Jones is pushing to return ahead of schedule from the high-grade hamstring strain he suffered on the Bulldogs' pre-season camp in Queensland in February.

The 34-year-old has stepped up his training this week, along with captain Marcus Bontempelli, who is still at least a month away from returning from the complex calf injury he sustained during the AAMI Community Series.

"He is a slim chance for next week," he said.

"He has done a fair bit. We anticipate its either against Carlton or the week after."