Hybrid Bombers threat Jake Stringer will spend time on the sidelines after the club confirmed the 27-year-old's groin strain would require recuperation.
Stringer had alerted Essendon officials to the ailment within the past fortnight and with no significant strides being made since the announcement, Bombers general manager of football Josh Mahoney confirmed the ex-Dog would be sent for a rest.
โJake Stringer reported some groin pain two weeks ago and after having training modified for a week without significant improvement, it was decided that given the time of the year we would take this time to get it fully right,โ Mahoney told essendonfc.com.au.
โJake will take the opportunity for a week of rest before building back up over the next few weeks. It is unlikely that Jake will play in a pre-season game.โ
The timing of his club-imposed break could not have come at a worse time for Stringer, who had reportedly hit the ground running this summer in an effort to continue his recaptured form from last season.
Across the course of his 19 appearances within a red sash in 2021, Stringer slotted 41 majors for Ben Rutten's side, finishing with club goalkicking honours for the third time in four campaigns at Tullamarine.
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While Stringer was forced to sit out of Essendon's intra-club hitout on Wednesday morning, the Bendigo Pioneers product was not alone, with fellow midfielder Dylan Shiel also removed from duties due to a quad strain.
Although reports on Monday suggested that the former Giant would avoid a significant setback with the complaint, Mahoney added further weight by claiming the 28-year-old was still in contention to play in an upcoming practice match.
โDylan Shiel experienced some quad tightness at training late last week but scans have cleared him of serious damage,โ he added.
โHe will be modified at training this week missing the intraclub and remains a chance to play next week against the Western Bulldogs, if he continues to improve.โ
Essendon is set to face the Bulldogs before then tackling the Saints during the AAMI Community Series across the course of the next month.
The 16-time premiers are set to open their 150th season proper when they take on Geelong at the MCG on Saturday, March 12 at the MCG.