HAWTHORN skipper Jarryd Roughead will miss the club's training camp in New Zealand and the next few weeks of pre-season training after undergoing knee surgery on Monday.

The 30-year-old discovered swelling in his left knee last week, in the days following his return to training and it was decided to proceed with minor surgery.

"We found out that Jarryd requires a minor clean-up procedure which means that he's is likely to be out for the next two to three weeks," Hawks general manager of football Jason Burt said.

"This is obviously disappointing for Jarryd to miss out on pre-season camp however he remains positive and will now concentrate on his rehab. (But) This is only a minor setback and we expect Jarryd to be fresh and ready for the start of the season." 

Roughead missed the first two months of the 2016 season after suffering a PCL injury to his right knee, but ended up not playing at all that year after a recurrence of his melanoma.

He returned to full health this year and played all 22 games, while also leading the Hawks with 38 goals.

The Hawks are Queenstown for the next week and bit, with half the camp devoted to skills and fitness, with the other involving hiking, rafting and various team-building exercises.

The only other absentee this pre-season is Cyril Rioli, who has been granted leave from the club to care for his father, who is ill.

The rest of the squad is in full health and according to fitness coach Andrew Russell, has returned to training in excellent condition.