Converted Essendon defender Kaine Baldwin is expected to spend a stint on the sidelines after a stress fracture was discovered in his foot.
Baldwin, who has managed just eight AFL games across three seasons, will miss 'the start' of this season due to the ailment, the Bombers confirmed on Friday.
"Essendon defender Kaine Baldwin is set to miss the start of the 2024 AFL Season after scans revealed a navicular bone stress fracture in his foot," the club release reads.
"Baldwin experienced some discomfort in his foot following training on Wednesday and scans have since confirmed the injury.
"He will be non-weight-bearing in the immediate short-term, before commencing rehab in the coming weeks.
"A timeline for Baldwin's return will be determined once he gets through the initial rest and early rehab period."
The 21-year-old, who arrived at Tullamarine in 2021 via the league's Supplemental Selection Period, played four senior games last season for the Bombers in a defending role under coach Brad Scott after beginning at Essendon as a forward.
Baldwin was one of a host of Bombers who jetted off to the United States last November to undertake an intense pre-season training program.
Elsewhere at Essendon, ruckman Sam Draper and midfielder Dylan Shiel continue with their respective injury recoveries, while young forward Jaiden Hunter recently underwent successful surgery after rupturing his ACL in the pre-season.
The Bombers will commence their 2024 campaign against the depleted Hawks at the MCG on Saturday, March 16.
