SYDNEY Swans star Kurt Tippett will not play in the NAB Challenge after suffering a lower leg injury in last Friday's intra-club match.



The Swans are hopeful, however, he will be available for round one despite missing up to four weeks of training as a result of the setback.



Tippett, who has otherwise enjoyed a strong pre-season, hurt his right tibia/fibula joint during the intra-club game at Marrickville.



"Kurt has had an outstanding pre-season so we don’t expect this setback to significantly impact his readiness for round one," Swans football manager Tom Harley said in a statement provided to AFL.com.au.



"He is likely to sit out our three NAB Challenge matches but at this stage remains on track for round one."



Tippett's past two seasons have been restricted by knee injuries and suspension, meaning her has played only 26 games since joining the Swans as a high-profile recruit at the end of 2012.



He has focused on building leg strength this summer and had been earmarked to play more time as a support ruckman given his increased fitness base.



The 27-year-old spoke to AFL.com.au last month about the importance of building consistency in his training ahead of the new season.



"Completing a full pre-season just gives you the confidence to be able to go out there and hopefully play every game," he said.



Young midfielder Jake Lloyd has recovered from a minor elbow injury, also out of last week's intra-club, and will seek selection for Friday NAB Challenge match against Brisbane at Coffs Harbour.



Star forward Lance Franklin and midfielder Jarrad McVeigh, who strained a calf last week, missed the Swans' intra-club match but are on target to play pre-season games.



Defender Ted Richards is also close to resuming following a hamstring setback.



