Newcastle Jets striker Michael Bridges expects to be back for his clubs next match - on January 10 against the Melbourne Victory.

The former Leeds United man tore his hamstring in early December and initially was only supposed to miss two to three weeks but after reassessing, he thought it would be smarter to take some extra time off and be fit and firing for the new year.

"I was expecting it to be a two- or three-week injury but when we got the scan results it showed there was a decent tear in the hamstring," said Bridges.

"It has been progressing really well. The lads are away from training and I'm just doing my own stuff with the physio [Paul Hazell].

"I have been doing strength work at the gym and been running up to Nobbys Beach and getting on the oval to do a bit of ball work.

"I have tested it but I won't get a fair read on it until I am back training with the boys."