Tom Liberatore is on track to return in the coming weeks as he nears recovery from a recent concussion.

Liberatore suffered the knock in the Round 8 loss to Hawthorn, taking on extensive specialist consultation as well as sitting inside the AFL protocols.

Western Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, was able to give a pleasing update ahead of an impending return.

"We have continued to be very diligent and thorough in our processes for assessing and managing Tom following his most recent concussion in Round 8,” Bell said.

“This has involved specialist review and opinion to help guide his return to play planning.

“In some great news, after some reassuring results, we have a devised a structured return to play plan, that if everything goes well, will see Tom returning to play across the next 2-3 weeks."

Defender Jason Johannisen will spend an extended stint on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring at training last week.

“Jason was running at speed and went to change direction and slipped on the wet ground at training last week,” Bell said.

“This has caused him to overstretch his hamstring and suffer a moderate grade hamstring strain.

“At this stage I anticipate that JJ will miss the next 4-5 weeks with this injury.”

Key defender Ryan Gardner will miss the next three months after damaging his wrist.

“Ryan innocuously punched a footy which ruptured a key structural ligament in his wrist,” Bell said.

"This injury will not heal with conservative management, with Ryan needing surgery to reconstruct the damaged ligament.

“We will confirm Ryan’s rehab plan following the surgery but expect him to miss at least the next three months. “

Injury List

Tom Liberatore (concussion) – 2-3 weeks
Nick Coffield (shoulder) – 3-5 weeks
Jason Johannisen (hamstring) – 4-5 weeks
Cody Weightman (elbow) – 5-6 weeks
Ryan Gardner (wrist) – TBC
Bailey Smith (ACL) – Season