Essendon is likely to be without key defender James Gwilt for the match against Adelaide this Saturday. 

Gwilt has become an important member of the Bombers defence this season with Dustin Fletcher sidelined for most of the year and Cale Hooker playing in the forward line.

The former Saint has played 11 matches this season, but was subbed out against the Giants on Sunday. 

“He’s pulled up reasonably sore, he’s got a bit of an adductor strain – not serious,” Essendon Doctor Brendan De Morton said.

“Probably miss this week and possibly another one, but we’ll see how he goes.” 

Fellow key defender Michael Hurley has missed the last two weeks because of a knee problem. 

He will be monitored throughout the week.

“He’s tracking pretty well,” Dr De Morton said.

“His knee is a fair bit better, he’s got a very minor medial strain.

“He’s going to do some straight line running today and if he trains well on Thursday, he’d certainly be a chance.”