UNLUCKY Geelong forward Daniel Menzel has had a setback in his road to recovery after straining a hamstring at training on Monday.

Menzel has had four knee reconstructions and not played since the qualifying final of 2011 when he went down against Hawthorn.

At the time he had played 21 games and was one of the emerging stars of the game.

Geelong coach Chris Scott told Fox Footy it was disappointing for Menzel but considering what he had endured in his career to date the setback was minor. 

"He'll get over this one pretty quickly," he said.

Scott said he expected Menzel to have three weeks in rehabilitation and no risks would be taken.

He added the 23-year-old was disappointed but pragmatic.

"I think he is wondering what else can go wrong but he is taking the mindset of it is not going to be smooth sailing from here on in. He is going to have his ups and downs and this is a little blow but not one he can't recover from."

Meanwhile, Steve Johnson confirmed he will play in a VFL practice match against Collingwood on Saturday. 

The star veteran had an interrupted pre-season due to problems with his troublesome foot, but will feature in his first competitive outing this weekend with a view to playing in the Cats' final NAB Challenge game against Carlton on March 22.