RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin has undergone successful surgery on his broken cheekbone but is still expected to miss at least two matches. 

Cotchin underwent surgery on Monday after playing through the majority of Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide with the minor fracture.

His absence against Hawthorn on Friday night adds to a growing injury toll, with midfielder Kane Lambert now back at the club after suffering a cracked rub and punctured lung.

Match preview: Richmond v Hawthorn

The club is hopeful Lambert could return in under three weeks.

Vice-captain Brett Deledio has pulled up well from his first match of the season as the Tigers manage their way through a six-day break, and he could be in line to captain the club this week.

The club is likely to choose one of Deledio or ruckman Ivan Maric to step in for Cotchin and lead the team.

The absence of suspended defender Alex Rance could be partly offset by the return of defenders Nick Vlastuin (knee) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring), who will need to pass fitness tests this week.

Both trained on Tuesday and are expected to face the Hawks at the MCG on Friday night.