INJURY-plagued Hawthorn defender Matt Spangher's hopes of cementing a spot before finals have suffered a major blow, with the popular Hawk set to be sidelined for at least two months.

Making his AFL comeback from persistent calf troubles, Spangher damaged a hamstring tendon in the opening three minutes of the Hawks' win over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

"Very disappointing for him. He played four senior games last year and in his comeback game he's done some significant damage to that hamstring tendon – it's a fairly high-grade injury," football manager Chris Fagan told the club's website.

"At this point in time, it looks like it's going to be an eight-to-10 week rehabilitation."

It's the latest setback for Spangher, who has been cruelled by soft-tissue injuries and only managed 56 AFL games since being drafted by West Coast back in 2005. 

In better news for the Hawks, wingman Isaac Smith is expected to be available for selection after copping a knock to the ankle against the Lions.

Smith received treatment but played out the match and should be fine to face Melbourne, while Fagan confirmed a corked leg wouldn't keep Josh Gibson out of his 200th game on Saturday.

Meanwhile, tall forward Ryan Schoenmakers will have at least another week at Box Hill after coming back from a groin issue and skipper Luke Hodge is looking at another three games on the sidelines.

Hodge has been running at Waverley for the past two weeks and is almost ready to join in training after knee surgery after round six.

"I think next week he'll join in skills and he'll progress from there, but I'll still say he's three weeks away but he's going really well in his rehab," Fagan said.