HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson is confident fitness won’t be a problem if he makes his long-awaited return from a torn pectoral against the Sydney Swans in round 18.

Gibson has been out of action since he suffered the injury against the Swans on May 9.

The Hawks’ reigning best-and-fairest said he’s raring to go and is likely to return for the Swans blockbuster at the MCG next Saturday night.

"I’ve been training for probably the last three weeks with the group and I’ve been running for a long time before that," Gibson told hawthornfc.com.au.

"So I’m excited now that I get one more hit-out for the bye week then all things going well I’m back next week against Sydney."

Gibson was in a sling for a month after surgery, but was able to maintain his fitness.

"I think I was back on the bike three days after surgery and being able to run, so I’ve been able to get some conditioning in the bottom half of the body," he said.

"It has been frustrating. No one likes to be injured, especially during the season.

"I’m really keen to get back out there and get back in there with my fellow defenders."

Gibson's recovery time was initially set between eight to 10 weeks.

The Hawks have erred on the side of caution with their gun backman, who will have missed exactly 10 weeks if he plays the Swans.

"I'm quite happy to go on record that the footy club’s been holding me back," Gibson said with a laugh.

"I thought I was ready three weeks ago, the medicos thought a different thing.

"They’ve probably got my best interests at heart, but I could have definitely played against Adelaide (last Friday night)."