Essendon Captain Jobe Watson will miss Saturday’s match against Geelong after scans revealed a slight groin strain. 

Watson suffered the injury in the 13-point loss to Richmond on the weekend.

“In the second half he was tight in his groin,” Club Doctor Bruce Reid said.

“He had a MRI this morning which shows really only a very minor strain.” 

Watson collected 17 possessions and kicked a goal against the Tigers last Saturday night.

The Bombers fitness and medical staff will monitor his progress as the side prepares for this weekend’s match against the Cats. 

“We’ll see how he pulls up later in the week,” Dr Reid said.

“Worst case scenario – he’ll miss one (match).”

Dustin Fletcher will also miss the game against Geelong.

The 400 game player was subbed out of the Dreamtime at the G’ match during the fourth quarter.

“He had a little incident in his adductor and it shows just a strain too,” Dr Reid said.

“He will miss this week.

“With that sort of injury – it’s at the lower end.”

David Zaharakis will be on the sidelines a little longer as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

The midfielder has missed the last three weeks but may have to wait until after the bye to return.

“David’s ankle is coming along ok, I don’t expect him to play under two weeks,” Dr Reid said.

In better news for the Bombers, Jason Winderlich is set to return to the playing field this week.

Winderlich is yet to play a match at any level this season after suffering a back injury. 

The VFL side plays at Etihad Stadium on Saturday in a curtain raiser ahead of the senior match.

Nick Kommer and Heath Hocking are also nearing a return. 

The pair is set to resume playing after the bye as they build up their fitness after overcoming long-term injuries.

David Myers won’t be too far behind them with medical staff targeting an early July return.

The midfielder injured his shoulder in the opening minutes of the match against Sydney in round one.