HAWTHORN'S 2014 finals hero Will Langford could miss the rest of the home-and-away campaign with a knee injury.
The emerging on-baller was on the comeback trail from a knee problem when he suffered a setback with his medial ligament at training last week.
The Hawks aren't sure how long Langford will be sidelined, with his recovery period ranging from 2-6 weeks.
"He's recovered pretty well from it, it's probably going to be closer to two than six, which is fortunate," general manager of football operations Chris Fagan told the club's website.
"But it's just one of those things we'll have to take as it comes and see what his level of soreness is like."
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The 23-year-old, who booted three goals from 21 disposals in last year's Grand Final, struggled with a calf complaint mid-season and has managed 10 games this year.
Langford was back running at training on Tuesday, alongside Liam Shiels (corked quad) and Ben Stratton (ankle), who sat out last Friday night's record 138-point belting of Carlton.
"They were relatively minor injuries. They possibly could have played at a pinch, but we just wanted to give them the opportunity to recover," Fagan said.
"They were out there training this morning and very much looking forward to playing this weekend."
Taylor Duryea is also set to push for a return from a shoulder injury for Friday night's blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG.
Key defender James Frawley is also in the mix for a recall after playing a half in the VFL in his comeback from a dislocated shoulder last Sunday.
"We just wanted him to get half a game under his belt and he was able to do that," Fagan said.
"He tested that shoulder out and it went really well. He's put his hand up for selection, it's just one of those decisions now that the match committee need to make later in the week."
Frawley shapes as the obvious replacement for Matt Spangher, whose wretched run with injuries continued when he strained a hamstring against the Blues.
"He's had a year of soft-tissue injuries to various parts of his legs. He's damaged a hamstring, we expect that it will be a three-to-four week injury," Fagan said.
"He pulled up pretty well from the game, but just with Matt's history we just need to be really careful that when he comes back hopefully he's in a good position not to do it again for the rest of the season."