Franzen could return this weekend from hip flexor injury

It sounds like forward Johan Franzen is definitely close to returning.
Franzen has missed the last four games with a sore hip flexor.
But he’s been skating and practicing hard this week, and said Thursday he could be back by the weekend.
“Hopefully,” Franzen said. “I’m getting an ultrasound today to see if it’s healed, or starting to heal. They need some pictures to make sure.”
With nine points (three goals) in 12 games, the Red Wings miss the offensive capability and size that Franzen has.
As for defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo, his return appears close but is a bit more hazy.
Colaiacovo injured his shoulder the second game of the season and has been rehabilitating ever since. He’s been skating regularly for the past couple of weeks, and is just waiting to get cleared to play.
“You feel good on the ice, everything feels good, it’s just for the shoulder,” Colaiacovo said. “It’s at a point right now where it’s telling me it’s still not ready, so you keep working through it.”