Bombers recruit Mitch Hibberd is expected to be sidelined for the next six weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery.
The midfielder went under the knife to repair the meniscus he damaged at training last week.
Essendon manager of football Dan Richardson said the 23-year old will return to training before the Marsh Community Series.
“Mitch underwent minor surgery earlier this week to clean up damage he suffered to his meniscus,” Richardson told essendonfc.com.au.
“He is in great spirits post-surgery and we expect him to progress his rehabilitation over the next six weeks before reintegrating into full training.”
Hibberd landed at Essendon via pick 10 in the 2019 rookie draft after stints at North Melbourne and Williamstown.
He played four AFL games for the Kangaroos.