Richmond defender David Astbury will have minor thumb surgery after suffering ligament damage in the Tigers' NAB Challenge loss to Fremantle last Friday.

However, he is expected to be fit for Richmond's round one clash with Carlton.

"He had some ligament damage and will need minor surgery," physical performance manager Peter Burge told Richmond's website.

"He’ll definitely miss this weekend, but he should be back pretty soon.”

Richmond take on Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon at Holm Park Recreation Reserve in Beaconsfield in round two of the NAB Challenge.