Essendon’s top draft selection Elijah Tsatas will require surgery on his knee after scans revealed an acute meniscus tear.

The 18-year-old suffered a knock to his knee in a tackling collision at training this week and after seeing a surgeon today, the Club can confirm Tsatas will have surgery in the coming days.

General Manager of Performance Dan McPherson said the club will take a conservative approach with his injury.

"Elijah suffered a knock to the knee during a contest drill earlier in the week, and the initial scan showed a minor tear in his meniscus. He has been assessed by a surgeon today who has recommended it be repaired," McPherson said.

“The post operation timeframes will be determined following the surgery but he is a young player with a bright future ahead of him, so whilst this setback is disappointing, we won’t be rushing his return to play.  

“He’s had a great start to his time in the AFL system having produced a very impressive pre-season to this point. We will give him the required time to recover to ensure he is best prepared to re-join the AFL program.”