Essendon medical staff will meet with specialists in the coming days to consider the immediate playing future of Essendon youngster Scott Gumbleton.
As was previously reported, scans have revealed Gumbeton has a bulging disc in his back - a diagnosis confirmed by an orthopedic surgeon late this afternoon.
""The bulging disc in Scott's back is impinging on nerves,"" Essendon football operations manager, Paul Hamilton, said tonight.
""The decision now lies between taking the conservative approach and giving him a period of rest or having surgery which would sideline him for at least 12 weeks.""
The highly-talented Gumbleton has been plagued by injury since being taken at number two in the 2006 National Draft.
He had shown promising signs in the pre-season until this latest setback.
