Naitanui, 22, has struggled to do anything more than walk laps so far during West Coast's gruelling summer pre-season, as he recovers from groin surgery.
The dreadlocked All-Australian had been directed to rest and recover in order to overcome the problem at the end of the Eagles' season 2012 campaign.
But, after his scheduled break, which included a trip to the United States, Naitanui reported soreness in his groin and was booked in for surgery.
Naitanui dismissed the suggestion, though, that he could miss up to two months of the 2013 season.
The flamboyant ruckman declared he is still targeting a Round 1 return, against cross-town foes Fremantle.
"It's my body. I know how it feels," Naitanui said on Thursday.
"I have been following my program. My goal is still Round 1.
"I'll see how I go and track along in the next few weeks."
Naitanui shot down a suggestion he was carrying osteitis pubis, which has been known to limit players to frustratingly long spells on the sidelines.
Naitanui is not expected to feature in West Coast's NAB Cup campaign.