Essendon midfielder Jake Melksham will undergo surgery after breaking his hand during Friday morning’s intra club hit-out.
The 21-year-old suffered the injury after landing awkwardly during an attempt to win the ball.
Coach James Hird said despite the setback, Melksham would return to training next week.
“Jake will have the operation today but he will be back into training on Monday,” Hird said.
“We look forward to him playing in the next two to three weeks.”
The timeframe means the midfielder could be available for Round 2 of the NAB Cup against Richmond in Wangarratta on March 1.
