Western Bulldogs midfielder Shaun Higgins is expected to return to full training in late January, with the club hopeful he will be available for senior selection early next season.

The 25-year-old hasn't played a game since fracturing the navicular bone in his left foot in April this year.

Higgins was spotted taking shots at goal on Monday, and has been training with the rehabilitation group.

Coach Brendan McCartney admits the club is taking a very cautious approach with Higgins, given the serious nature of his injury.

"All being well, he'll be out on the training track late January," McCartney said on Wednesday.

"I think I said in this room after he did it that it was a significant injury, and an injury that you've got to manage really well in the return to play, so there will be a no risk policy with him.

"We know the talent Shaun's got, and we want to give him a really good chance at having a great season for us."

The club expects Higgins to be available for senior football in the early stages of next season.

"He'll be right to go," McCartney said.

"It's one thing to put them back into training, and then it's to put them in contract drills, high speed and high change of direction drills, but the medical people will just bring him along, bit by bit."