Brumbies flanker David Pocock is almost certain to return to the fray this weekend, but coach Dan McKellar is being coy on his exact involvement.
Asked on Tuesday whether Pocock has been cleared to play, McKellar was optimistic, without giving the game away.
"If Poey's fit and available, he'll be playing and at this point in time all the signs are leading towards that," he sai.
"If I was to make a decision now, he'll have some involvement on Saturday night."
Co-captain Sam Carter is also in line to return after missing their win over the Sharks with a concussion, while hooker Robbie Abel has shrugged off his injury concerns.
"Last week he just had a few lingering signs," he said.
"He just didn't feel 100 per cent, so I'll just go off the advice of the medical team there and he's just going to get through his return to play protocols and then get through a heavy unit session this morning.
"So, if he pulls up well, you'd imagine that Carts will be involved."
This weekend's derby against the Waratahs will be a critical one in both teams' seasons, but McKellar has being dialling down the emotional element of the clash, that has had a fiery past.
"In the past it's been quite emotional and we've made a point of not going down the emotional path too early," he said.
"It's another game of footy.
"Obviously, both teams know each other really well and we had some progression with our performance against the Sharks and we're just focusing on us and making sure we're better again on Saturday night and start to build some momentum at home. "
The Brumbies take on the Waratahs on Saturday night at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
