The improving outlook for the Chiefs keeps getting better with inspirational Jono Gibbes eyeing a hit-out in club rugby as he battles back from a major hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the past month.

The Chiefs skipper and former All Black has been out of action since the third round loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Gibbes, who was initially on crutches for the injury, is now moving freely and suggested he could play club rugby in the next couple of weeks.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster is a little more cautious, obviously aware of Gibbes' long history of injuries. They don't want to take any chances with Gibbes as they eye a busy second half of the championship that finishes with three matches in South Africa that will be crucial to their playoffs hopes.

Gibbes certainly won't be involved in Friday night's trip to Canberra to play the Brumbies.

But with the Chiefs having a bye the following week he could push for a place in the next two home matches against the Crusaders and Reds before they fly off to the republic.

"He's not too far away," said Foster, who has got his Chiefs back on track by winning three of their four matches without Gibbes who has been part of an alarming injury toll.

"He has got the first 70 or 80 percent of his rehab done really well and now it's a matter of that period of when you are not sure how fast it's going to go.

"He obviously won't be around for this week with the Brumbies, then we have a bye and two home games. I guess he will be targeting one of those."

Gibbes' absence, combined with season-ending injuries to second rowers Kristian Ormsby and Mark Burman, has placed enormous pressures on the Chiefs' locking stocks.

Toby Lynn and Kevin O'Neill have carried a big workload and the Chiefs have drafted in young Auckland second-rower Jay Williams as cover.

The Chiefs' only only other injury concern right now is with former All Black Soseni Anesi who remains troubled by a sprained ankle. He is on light training duties and it's unlikely he will be involved in the Canberra trip.

The Chiefs are coping well without him because of the depth of talent in their outside backs. Lelia Masaga has been doing a good job on the right wing with his deadly finishing and they have been working Vili Waqaseduadua off the bench.

The Chiefs are just one point of the playoffs pace in a crowded race for the top four.