THE OUTLOOK for youngsters Dean Gore, Jordan Cunico and Zac Bates has improved in the past week.

Bates, who has battled chronic hamstring problems since joining the club, made his return in the VFL last weekend and has pulled up well.

Gore, meanwhile, has received a positive prognosis on the nerve pain he has been suffering in his neck and shoulder.

"He's seen a specialist who completed some nerve tests on his shoulder," Cats physio Mark Young said on the latest episode of nib Medical Room.

"They showed that the nerve is growing back, and his strength scores are improving.

"So we think he's someone who's a short-term prospect now than perhaps a medium- to long-term."

Tune into nib Medical Room to watch what Young had to say about Bates and Gore, along with his comments on Cunico (knee surgery), Rhys Stanley (thigh) and Dawson Simpson (shoulder).

To watch the show click on the video player at the top of the page.