Maxwell injured his calf during Monday’s draw with Melbourne, but hopes to be fit for his team’s round 13 clash with the Swans.
“I spoke to the doc and I have got to go for a scan this afternoon, but it’s just a minor calf,” Maxwell said on Tuesday.
“Given we’ve got a week off, it’s probably 50/50 for Sydney.”
The Magpies were missing Luke Ball (groin), Ben Johnson (ankle) and Alan Didak, who was a late withdrawal with a hip injury, against Melbourne.
But Maxwell said the three were all “more likely than unlikely” to be ready to face the Swans.
And that could be just what the Magpies need after what the skipper labelled a disappointing month.
“I think we’re going to get some guys back next week in Ball and Johnson and Didak, and I think that they’re going to have a big impact,” he said.
“Obviously they’re crucial players to our success this year, so we’re looking forward to having them back next week - and hopefully I’ll be part of that as well.”
Maxwell’s calf injury seemed it might be more serious than it now appears, given he left the field in the second term and did not return.
The 27-year-old said had the match been a grand final he may have returned to the ground, but the Pies decided not to risk their captain.
“I actually did go down and did do a bit of running around down in the rooms,” he said.
“I’ve never done one (a calf), so it’s sort of hard to put a finger on how long (I’ll be out) but speaking to the docs they reckon I’ll be half a chance for next week.
“That’s positive and I guess it’s a good time to have the week off.”
As for Monday’s drawn match, while Maxwell would have preferred four points he is not in favour of the concept of playing extra time, despite some commentators calling for its introduction when scores are locked at the final siren.
“I think that for either team to walk away yesterday without anything would have been pretty disappointing for both,” he said.
“I’m happy for it to remain how it is.”
