COLLINGWOOD is hopeful of having star recruit Daniel Wells available for the first game of its JLT Community series campaign against Essendon in February.  

Important defender Ben Reid is still working towards being back in full training by late February following post-season knee surgery, while Jamie Elliott will at that point by late January. 

Wells suffered a setback in his ongoing battle with calf issues in early December and the veteran has been restricted to the rehab group ever since. 

WATCH: Collingwood's pre-season report card

But Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh said the ex-Kangaroos was progressing well in his recovery. 

"Daniel Wells is building towards full fitness and will be assessed on his progress post-Christmas," Walsh told the club's website. 

"He will continue to build through January and February. He’s working towards being available for the first pre-season game."

There had been speculation Reid had suffered a setback with a soft-tissue injury – something that plagued him in two of the last three seasons – but Collingwood quickly downplayed those claims.

The Pies say Reid is on track in his rehabilitation from the surgery he had on his posterior cruciate ligament.

"We're expecting that recovery to build over January and February and we hope to have Ben fully available in late February," Walsh said. 

"He’s done a few sessions inside, but that’s all just part of the program. We’re making sure he’s covering all bases.” 

Both Elliott, who missed the entire 2016 season with a serious back injury, and Jackson Ramsay have impressed and have been completing most of the contact-based drills at training. 

Ramsay played two matches last season before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in round two. 

"Jamie is going really well," Walsh said.

"He's pretty much doing everything now, but we're just monitoring his load so that he’ll be in full training by Australia Day.

"Ramsay is coming back from his knee injury. He's completing almost all the main work and will continue to build through January." 

Matthew Scharenberg, who is on his way back from his second knee reconstruction, has been unrestricted at training and will be ready to play in the pre-season.

"As for 'Shaz', he’s back in full training with the main group. He’s unencumbered and in full training at the moment," Walsh said.

"He’s in positive spirits and is looking forward to getting some more intense match simulation as late-January rolls around."

Meanwhile, Alex Fasolo (shoulder) and Tyson Goldsack (hip) will be back in full training in January after off-season surgeries.

The Magpies expect top draftee Sam McLarty, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, to be back in full training in mid-February, while Brayden Sier (back) – the club's first pick in the 2015 draft – will be assessed after the Christmas break to determine when he can resume training.

Rookie Mitch McCarthy will be back in full training by February. 

Collingwood’s players will return to training on January 6 as they build towards a JLT Community Series opener against the Dons on February 16.