COLLINGWOOD forward Jamie Elliott may make a quicker than expected return from his ankle injury and play against Hawthorn on Sunday at the MCG.

The Magpies forward is expected to join in the main training session this week and will face a test ahead of the game to convince selectors he is ready. 

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au the club was optimistic about the 24-year-old's prospects of passing the test. 

"We will wait and see on that but so far the news looks promising for Jamie later in the week," Walsh said.

Elliott is Collingwood's leading goalkicker in 2017, kicking 20 goals in the eight games he has played this season.

He had a delayed start to the season when he hurt his ankle at training and has not played since round 11 when he suffered a similar injury against Fremantle.

He had become the first player since Saverio Rocca in the mid-90s to kick five bags of three in succession for the Magpies between rounds seven to 11 and is a crucial cog in the forward line.

The club is also hopeful running defender Travis Varcoe would return from a hamstring injury, with his availability dependent on how the 29-year-old progressed in the next three or four days. 

"Travis Varcoe has also made some really good progress," Walsh said. 

Varcoe has not played since round six when he hurt his hamstring against Geelong. 

Daniel Wells is recovering from a calf injury and will join in full training next week. He remains about two weeks away from returning to play.