Veteran Sydney defender Ted Richards is set to make a timely return to AFL action against Carlton next Sunday, with new recruit Michael Talia sidelined for at least two months.

Richards returned from a calf injury in a reserves game last week, while former Bulldogs back Talia suffered a serous foot injury near the end of the Swans’ 80-point opening round home win over Collingwood.

“He’ll be out for eight weeks and potentially up to 12,” Swans general manger of football Tom Harley said of Talia.