MELBOURNE expects star forward Jesse Hogan to return to the club on Tuesday following surgery to remove testicular cancer earlier this month.

However, the Demons will be cautious with 22-year-old's return to the field and ease him into training over the next few weeks, which will include the club's upcoming bye period.

Melbourne is hopeful he may be available to play against Collingwood in the Queen's Birthday blockbuster in round 12, although Hogan's comeback will be dictated by how well the wound heals and how he is feeling.

It is also understood the Demons are keen to ensure the power forward has the appropriate level of conditioning after an interrupted start to the season that saw him play just four matches.

Hogan was given an indefinite period of leave following his surgery on May 16, with the star forward spending the past week in Perth with his family. 

The small mass found in his testicle was suggestive of a seminoma, which is a type of cancer. 

The early detection of the lump meant surgery was the appropriate course of action, rather than chemotherapy or radiotherapy consistent with other forms of cancer.

Hogan missed two games through suspension earlier in the season, while also missed a match after losing his father Tony to cancer.

The 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star winner has booted nine goals from four matches this year and his return – whenever that comes – will be a major fillip for the 5-5 Demons as they approach the second half of the season.