COLLINGWOOD is playing down speculation injury-prone swingman Ben Reid has suffered yet another setback.

The 27-year-old has had a long injury history, including hamstring, calf, back and knee trouble in recent years.

Having played just four senior games in 2014, and five in 2015, Reid managed 17 games this year in an encouraging return to form.

At the moment he's recovering from serious post-season knee surgery.

The club maintains he's on track to resume full training early in the new year.

"He continues to be managed towards a return to full training in late Jan ... early Feb," a Magpies spokesperson told AFL.com.au.

"At this point he is putting kilometres into his legs.

"He will continue to do so."

Collingwood plays Essendon at Etihad Stadium in the opening match of the JLT Community Series on Thursday 16 February.