North Melbourne will be bolstered by the return of superstar midfielder Shaun Higgins this week.

The 30-year-old underwent a minor right-knee arthroscope following the Round 19 win over West Coast in Hobart, but has fully recovered according to GM Football Cameron Joyce.

"Higgo was pushing for us to play him in Brisbane, such is the professional he is and the dedication to his rehabilitation he's shown," Joyce said.

"He's recovered from the procedure really well.

"We were always confident he was only going to miss the one game so provided he gets through the rest of the week, he'll be declared fit to play."

The long awaited return of Billy Hartung has arrived with the hard-running speedster expected to play this weekend after a hamstring injury.

Hartung last played in Round 14 against the Bulldogs and will have to get through main training this week before being cleared to play some game-time in the VFL on Sunday.

Injury List

Shaun Higgins - Knee - Test

Taylor Garner - Hamstring - Test

Billy Hartung - Hamstring - Test

Tristan Xerri - Groin - Test

Kyron Hayden- Hip - Test

Alex Morgan - Calf - Test

Josh Williams - Back - Test

Cam Zurhaar - Ankle - 5-6 weeks

Ben Jacobs - Concussion - TBC

Sam Durdin - Leg - Season

Ed Vickers-Willis - Knee - Season

Declan Watson - Knee - Season