SEN newsman Sam Edmund says Sydney star Lance Franklin is still a few weeks away from returning, as his troublesome heel continues to hold him back.

Franklin suffered the ailment in the Swans’ Round 1 victory over West Coast, and missed last weekend’s win over Geelong.

He hasn’t been named for this Saturday's contest against North Melbourne, and Edmund believes Franklin could be sidelined for a longer period of time.

“There is still no Lance Franklin as he looks to recover from heel soreness, which has been plaguing him since Round 1,” he told SEN Breakfast.

“Another few weeks is what I’m hearing.

“Heels are nasty and I can’t believe he was able to play with a bruised heel.

“Anyone out there who has had one would tell you they’re extremely sensitive and tender.

“He has been battling with it for a while until it got too much.”

Franklin has kicked 18 goals in five matches this season.