Hawthorn will give an update on Alastair Clarkson’s health on Monday, with speculation the two-time premiership coach could be months away from a return.

Clarkson was diagnosed with Guillain-Barr syndrome after being hospitalised with back pain last week.

He handed over the reins to assistant coach Brendon Bolton who oversaw a tight seven-point victory over GWS Giants on Sunday.

The Tasmanian caretaker coach said he relished the chance to sit in the hot seat, but declined to elaborate on Clarkson’s health.

“I’ve spoken to Clarko more about his health and wellbeing because that’s what I’m mainly considerate of,” Bolton said.

“Last I spoke to him he was in reasonable spirits, he’ll need to take it easy.

“I’ve just done the good friend thing, check up on how you are.

Bolton did reveal Clarkson had offered to give advice via phone.

“He said there’s always a phone there you can call to get any advice, and I’ll do that,” he said.

“He’s a quality person and a good friend.”

If he watched the game from his rest bed, the famously ill-tempered Clarkson cannot have been pleased with his side’s display.

A string of uncharacteristic errors from experienced Hawks took the Giants to within touching distance of a famous victory.

The Hawks eventually crawled over the line by seven points, though trailed deep into the third quarter as the Giants threatened a startling upset.

Bolton laughed off the suggestion he might pick up the phone at quarter-time.

“You always get a bit edgy but that’s natural isn’t it,” he said.

“We did dig deep under some trying conditions.”

After the nervy showing, Hawthorn could be desperate to have Clarkson re-installed as senior coach.

Three-time Brownlow winner Ian Stewart, who also suffers the rare disease, said earlier in the week that Clarkson could be in for a long lay-off.

With his health understandably taking precedence, Clarkson’s return could be months, rather than weeks away.