GEELONG hopes defender Lachie Henderson will be back in training in January after minor knee surgery.

Henderson had an arthroscopy on his right knee after experiencing minor pain following a post-season operation.

He will return to the club before Christmas and have a modified program over the break.

“While this is a setback for Lachie, it will allow him to move forward on a rehabilitation plan,” football manager Simon Lloyd said.

“Lachie will work closely with our medical team over Christmas with the aim to return to football early in the new year.”

Two days ago Henderson, who played 22 games for the Cats last season, said his knee injury was “just a bit of wear and tear”.

“Nothing too serious but I’ve just got to work through it,” he told the AFL website.

Henderson said he was looking forward to having Harry Taylor back in defence after a year pinch-hitting up forward.

The Cats’ backline will have a new look following the retirements of Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie.

“Harry will come back and do his thing. He’s a gun. But we lose a lot of experience with ‘Domsy’ (Lonergan) and ‘Mack’ (Mackie) going.

“Getting those young boys in there and giving them an opportunity down there, I think we’ll be better for it.”