Mitchell was expected to test his injured ankle in a closed training session at Eagles headquarters on Wednesday night before an assessment of his performance and recovery on Thursday and team announcement.

It is understood the champion play-maker was unable to train.

His absence from the track just 72 hours ahead of bounce down in the 45th WA derby casts serious doubts over Mitchell proving fit in time.

Fremantle are likely to recall first-year midfielder Harley Balic in place of injured on-ball star Stephen Hill who is tipped to miss the next month with a hamstring strain.

Veteran Danyle Pearce is also in line for inclusion after sitting the past three Dockers wins as emergency as well as missing any chance to press claims with performances at alignment unit Peel Thunder.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson declared at a media conference on Wednesday that he wanted Mitchell to train as an early fitness test.

Simpson also indicated the decorated former Hawthorn superstar could still be named and given until close to game-time for a final decision on whether to play.

Mitchell, 34, risks significant further damage if he takes on the Dockers.

West Coast have crucial appointments with in-form Port Adelaide on the road on Saturday-week and then reigning premiers Western Bulldogs back in Perth on Friday night to kick off round eight.

"We will give him to the last minute," Simpson said.

"Medically he was unfit to play last week. We gave him every chance.

"But deep down I think we both knew he wasn't going to come up.

"This week's a little bit different."

It seems highly likely Mitchell will be advised to continue rehabilitation on the injury he copped early into the second term of the Eagles win over Sydney a fortnight ago for prospects of a more full recovery.

Simpson is searching for replacements with injuries to small forward Jamie Cripps who will be out of action for two months with a nasty ankle injury and emerging defender Jackson Nelson who has a fractured wrist.

Veteran key defender Eric Mackenzie seems set for a recall while hard-nut follower Mark Hutchings could be included for a defensive run-with appointment on some of the Dockers in-form on-ball division headed by superstar Nathan Fyfe, David Mundy and Lachie Neale.