The next month will determine when Collingwood defender Tom Langdon will be in a position to return to full training, after his surgeon gave him the all-clear to ramp up his preparation as he attempts to overcome a troublesome knee.

The 25-year-old has not played since the Magpies faced St Kilda in round nine last year when he was sidelined in the second half after copping a knock to his knee. He had surgery in July and was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Collingwood confirmed Langdon won't be available at the start of 2020, saying he will be a chance to return to full training within the next eight weeks if he copes well with an increased training load.

Tom Langdon in action during round six last year. Credit:AAP

Football manager Geoff Walsh said the next few weeks would inform everyone as to how quickly the intercept marking defender could progress, now that he has been given the green light to step up his training.