TOM BELL is on the verge of making a surprise return to the Brisbane Lions before season's end after overcoming a knee injury quicker than expected.

Bell had surgery on his medial meniscus in late June and it was thought he would miss the remainder of 2016.

However, the strongly built utility is on track to make a comeback next week.

"Tom Bell's a chance to maybe return against Geelong (round 22), depending on how he travels this week," Lions head of physiotherapy Shane Lemcke told lionsfc.com.au.

Ruckman Stefan Martin is expected to return against Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday after missing the past fortnight with sore ribs.

Young forward Jono Freeman will now miss the rest of the season after scans revealed the full extent of an eye injury sustained in the NEAFL last weekend.

"Further testing yesterday actually revealed a tear to his retina," Lemcke said.

"He’ll need to undergo a minor procedure on Thursday to fix that and he’s unlikely to take part in the rest of the season."