Sydney Swans coach John Longmire is "hopeful" star forward Lance Franklin will be available to take on Adelaide on Saturday.

Franklin injured his back on Friday and was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to West Coast by 52 points on Sunday.

"He hurt it on Friday, so it was just too short – it's only two days later - to be able to get up and play," Longmire said.

"So, we flew him back this afternoon to get him back into Sydney and get his rehab underway and we're hopeful he's available this week." 

The Swans will be bolstered by the return of key defender Ted Richards from suspension against the Crows. Longmire said ruckman Mike Pyke's troublesome knee would have to be managed for the rest of the season and was the reason he was subbed out at three-quarter time.

Kurt Tippett, who is yet to face his former club, will miss the clash at the SCG because of a broken hand.