Essendon star Michael Hurley is in hospital with a bad leg infection, according to Channel 7โ€™s Mark Stevens,

Hurley, 30, has missed training all week as a result of the infection in a blow for the Bombers just weeks out from the start of the 2021 season.

It is not known when he will be available to return to training or if he will be ready for Round 1.

Stevens revealed the news on Thursday night's 7 Newsย broadcast.

"I can reveal tonight he has a nasty infected leg and is in fact still in hospital." Stevens said.

"He's in hospital to help with the healing.

"His training return date certainly unknown at this stage."

Hurley has played 193 games over the course of his AFL career since making his senior debut in 2009.