Essendon is expecting Jake Stringer to be available for selection to take on St Kilda after scans cleared the star forward of any significant foot damage.
The Bombers’ reigning leading goalkicker was forced from the field late in the side’s loss to Greater Western Sydney on Sunday, but club physical performance manager Justin Crow said all signs have since been positive.
“Jake came off the ground in the last minute of the game with a sore foot,” Crow said on the SKINS Injury Update on Tuesday.
“We put it in the moon boot given we were flying back that night. We had a scan just to make 100 per cent sure (it was fine).
“I’m pleased to say there was just some bruising on top of the foot and nothing structural to worry about.
“We’re hoping to assess Jake tomorrow and, with a bit of luck, he’ll be right to train.”
Jake Long has not been so lucky after suffering a minor shoulder injury in the VFL side’s dominant 100-point practice match thrashing of Coburg on Saturday.
“Jake got slung into the ground, he got a knock to his shoulder,” Crow said.
“His AC joint has sustained an injury that will be limited by pain.
“Given how he’s presented today, we don’t think he’ll be available this week and there’s a chance that he might miss a couple depending on how that settles.”
The game saw successful returns from Marty Gleeson and Mason Redman, who were able to finish off the game unscathed.
“Both of those players got through their allocated game distances and time, and they’ve both pulled up well.
“We’ll keep progressing them gradually and smartly as they’re able.”
Mason Redman returned to the field for the first time since round 14 last year on Saturday.
Important leaders Cale Hooker and Joe Daniher are both tracking well in their recovery from calf strains, with Hooker set for a breakthrough at The Hangar on Wednesday.
“Cale will be in training tomorrow, we’re looking forward to seeing him with the group.
“Joe had his first run on Monday and we’ll be building up his running from there after his calf strain.”
Young Don Josh Begley will once again take part in the main session as he gets ever closer to an anticipated return after putting in the hard yards since his devastating ACL injury on Anzac Day last year.
“Josh has put in a lot of work over the whole pre-season, we’re getting in more and more work in with the whole group.
“He’ll be in the (main) group training tomorrow, we want to see him get through another week of group training this week and next before hopefully making his long-awaited return.”
Key defender Matt Dea is aiming to settle back into training next week and Crow said his rehabilitation from a knee injury is on track.
“He’s doing a lot of cutting and change of direction (running) – all those different things he needs to do for his MCL injury.
“We’re expecting him to just keep progressing like we originally thought.”
The Bombers will aim to bounce back this Saturday at Marvel Stadium when they take on the Saints from 4:35pm.
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