Midfielder Sam Durham is set to return for the Bombers’ round five clash against the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Despite missing the Bombers’ Gather Round fixture due to concussion protocols, Durham has recovered well from his head knock in round three and is expected to be made available after training strongly this week.

In further positive news, Dylan Shiel and Tex Wanganeen will both return via the VFL this weekend, provided they complete a full week of training.

Shiel has overcome the oblique strain that sidelined him over the past fortnight, while Wanganeen is set for competitive action for the first time this weekend after a lengthy recovery from foot surgery in the off-season.

Archie Perkins will miss the next three weeks after straining his hamstring late in the third term of the Bombers’ loss to the Power.

Midfielder Will Setterfield is set to miss again after re-injuring the knee that he hurt during the round two game against Sydney.

Following a hit to the same spot during the weekend’s loss to Port Adelaide, Setterfield is likely to miss at least the next two matches.

Defender Jordan Ridley is also set for another 4-6 weeks on the sidelines after re-aggravating his existing quad injury during rehab.

“'Rids' pulled up sore from training last week, and follow-up scans have unfortunately shown the quad injury that he suffered in our Community Series pre-season game against Geelong has been re-injured," GM - Football, Daniel McPherson said.

"Given this most recent setback and Jordan’s history, we will take a conservative approach with his rehab, which will see him sit out a number of weeks from here”.

Matt Guelfi is making steady progress in his recovery from a calf strain and looks to be a couple of weeks away from a return.

Essendon round five injury list 

Updated Tuesday, April 9