Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce is still "touch and go" for the crunch clash with Essendon, and the Dockers are optimistic Michael Walters' latest setback isn't serious.

Pearce hasn't played since picking up a hot spot in his shin following the round 11 win over Port Adelaide.

The 30-year-old has a history of leg fractures, and coach Justin Longmuir says the club is taking a cautious approach before Thursday's big match.

"He's touch and go," Longmuir said of Pearce's availability against Essendon.

Asked about his injury history, the coach added: "That plays a part in it, absolutely.

"So we won't put him at any risk. We won't rush him back to try and win this week if it's going to put him at risk for a long-term injury."

Longmuir says Pearce has been predominantly using the anti-gravity treadmill along with a bit of running on turf, but hasn't done much work in terms of change or direction.

"But he hasn't been out for that long," Longmuir said.

Walters, who is yet to play this season after undergoing knee surgery, was set to make his long-awaited return via the WAFL on Saturday.

Those plans were scuppered when he pulled up sore from training, but Longmuir said Walters is a chance to play WAFL next Saturday.

"It's not serious," Longmuir said of the latest setback.

"Maybe it's just the fact we've built him the last couple of weeks in the main training and he's got a little bit of soreness.

"I haven't got the full extent of what it is, but they tell me it's not serious and we're hoping it settles down reasonably quick."

Justin Chadwick - AAP