David Zaharakis is in doubt for the Bombers match against North Melbourne this Friday night.

The Essendon midfielder hurt his ankle during the side’s 28-point loss to Fremantle last week.

“He twisted his ankle and could go back on, but by the end of the game we had to leave him off the ground for about the last five or ten minutes,” Club Doctor Bruce Reid said.

“He’s probably in doubt for a couple of weeks unfortunately.” 

In better news for Essendon, veteran Paul Chapman is a chance to return after a two-week layoff with a groin injury.

“He trained yesterday and we'll throw him out with the big group tomorrow and hopefully he plays this week,” Dr Reid said.

Lauchlan Dalgleish made his comeback in the VFL on the weekend. 

The dashing defender gathered 14 possessions during the Bombers 27 point win over Coburg.

“So that’s a really good sign.  He’s had a bit of a bad run with injuries as we all know,” Dr Reid said. 

The Bombers forward line could also be boosted in coming weeks as Nick Kommer edges closer to a return.

The West Australian hasn’t played since August 2013.

“Nick Kommer is really doing well now and we’re hopeful that we can get some real fitness into him at high pressure and play in about three weeks,” Dr Reid said.