Nik Cox has been ruled out of Essendon’s Friday night clash with Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

The utility was subbed out of last Saturday’s defeat to Gold Coast with concussion following an aerial contest in the second quarter.

As per the league’s 12-day protocols regarding concussion, Cox will be unavailable for selection this week but is recovering well from his symptoms. He’ll aim to return for the Bombers’ round 24 fixture against the Lions.

Saad El-Hawli made a successful return from a syndesmosis injury via the VFL on the weekend.

The mid-season draftee registered 21 touches, 10 score involvements and eight inside 50’s in his first game back after nine weeks on the sidelines as the Bombers’ VFL outfit secured a 12-point win over Gold Coast.

Jordan Ridley and Matt Guelfi are each tracking well in their injury recoveries, eyeing off potential returns in a week’s time.