GEELONG star Steve Johnson seems unlikely to line up in Saturday's big clash against Hawthorn at the MCG. 

Johnson, who is battling a foot problem, arrived at Simonds Stadium on crutches on Monday.

"I know what the problem is, but I've just got to wait and see," he told 7mate's Talking Footy prior to meeting with the Cats' medical staff. 

Johnson pulled up sore after Geelong's two-point win over Fremantle in round 20. 

He missed the Cats' narrow win over Carlton on Friday night and is now racing to recover in time for the finals.

"I'm not really sure how long it's going to take until I'm right to play," Johnson said. 

"It's feeling pretty good. I'm on crutches, but it feels pretty good." 

Hawthorn's Cyril Rioli is facing a greater battle to be fit by the time the September action stars. 

The star half-forward has been sidelined since injuring a hamstring tendon against Gold Coast in Launceston in round 15.

The Hawks were initially hoping that Rioli would miss between two and four weeks, but his recovery has been slower than hoped. 

"I've had a bit of a setback but it feels great," Rioli said on Monday.

"I'm still set on playing footy this year … hopefully I'll be back during finals."