SYDNEY Swans star Lance Franklin remains in doubt for Saturday night's blockbuster clash against the Cats at Simonds Stadium.

Franklin, who has never played in Geelong, continues to be troubled by back soreness.

He missed the Swans' round 17 loss to West Coast in Perth, then returned last weekend against the Crows at the SCG.

He booted three goals but looked to be suffering some discomfort.

Franklin had only a light hit-out at training in Sydney on Tuesday and will undergo a fitness test on Thursday.

“It’s fair to say he’s still sore,” Swans football manager Tom Harley told the club's website.

“John Longmire spoke after last weekend’s game of Lance’s efforts to get up and play.

Not only did he play, but he contributed and helped us win the game, so that shows the competitive nature of Buddy.

“We’ll wait and see how we go. He’s a chance to play, but I guess there are a few hoops he’ll need to go through over the next day or so.”

Ruckman Mike Pyke has already been ruled out of Saturday's game due to a knee injury.

“He’s managing that," Harley said. "He’s the ultimate professional. He knows his body as well as anyone.

"What we can say if there’s a player who will do everything in his power to get up, it’s Mike."