Running machine Tommy Sheridan will return to the field in the NEAFL on Friday night after overcoming a persistent calf injury.

The former Docker strained his calf in his GIANTS debut in round three and after a similar injury over the pre-season, it’s been a cautious recovery for the 25-year-old.

“He’s been out a while, Tommy, but he’s been training really diligently and he’ll play against Sydney Uni on Friday night,” GIANTS General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell said.

“It will be good to see him back out there.”

Matt de Boer will be on the sidelines for around two months after suffering a fracture in his shoulder in the club’s last match before the bye.

“In broad terms, he has a broken shoulder,” Campbell said. 

“It’s a real shame because Matty was going so well as has been widely talked about. 

“It’s non-surgical so he’s in a brace at the moment and it looks to be a couple of months.

“He’s as diligent a preparer and recoverer as there is so if there’s someone who can do it quicker it will be him but it’s around eight weeks at this stage.” 

Draftee Xavier O’Halloran continues his recovery from a lateral collateral ligament injury in his knee with the club to be cautious with the young midfielder. 

“He’s probably six to eight weeks away,” Campbell said. 

“He had been playing some really good footy so it’s a shame for Xavier.”

Defender Lachie Keeffe will also be on the sidelines for another month after breaking his hand in the NEAFL.

“He has broken a bone in his hand so he’s about a month,” Campbell said.

“He can run and do all the training, just one-handed. He’s got a good endurance base anyway but will continue to run and train but will miss about four weeks.”

The GIANTS take on the Bombers at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night with the NEAFL side to take on Sydney University at Henson Park in Marrickville on Friday night.