Essendon could be bolstered by the return of Jordan Ridley for Sunday’s round 10 clash with North Melbourne.

The defender has been out of action since suffering a quad injury in the pre-season and re-aggravating it back in April, but will be a test this week following a conservative rehab process.

Provided Ridley gets through training without issue, he’ll be a chance to line up for his first game of the season.

In further positive news for the Dons, defender Zach Reid and small forward Jye Menzie made successful returns from injury via the VFL last week, each getting through full games.

Reid accumulated 26 disposals and 10 marks in his first game since suffering a hamstring strain in round one, while Menzie picked up 13 touches and a goal on return from a niggling shoulder injury.

Kaine Baldwin is making steady progress in his rehab from a navicular injury sustained in pre-season, looking at a potential playing return before the Bombers’ round 14 bye.

Winger Xavier Duursma is expected to miss the next 5-6 weeks after suffering an untimely quad tear during main training last week, with follow-up scans confirming the full extent of the injury.

As reported earlier, ruck Sam Draper underwent a minor knee procedure on Tuesday morning, likely to miss the next 6-8 weeks.

The Dons were keen to get on top of Draper’s lingering knee issue as quickly as possible to ensure his availability for the back half of the season.

He is expected to be available shortly after the mid-season bye.

Essendon round 10 injury list

Updated Tuesday, May 14