Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers will be out of training for at least the next month after straining ligaments in his left ankle.

The 24-year-old big man rolled his ankle awkwardly at training during a match simulation drill on Monday.

“Tom is our only significant injury, they were doing match practice type drills and he landed on Michael Hibberd’s foot,” club doctor Bruce Reid said.

“That is our only significant injury we have and it will cost him a few weeks at this stage.”

Reid said Bellchambers would be sidelined from doing any weight bearing activities for at least the next fortnight.

“The first thing we need to do is evaluate it correctly so he has strained both sides including the inside,” Reid said.

“When they strain the inside ligament on the ankle it is a little bit slower because it takes a lot of the weight bearing,”

“He will be non-weight bearing and in a moon boot for a couple of weeks and then hopefully we can get him up and running again quickly.”

Reid said the remainder of the playing group was in good shape just a month away from the start of the pre-season competition.

“We have been very lucky, there has been good management by the staff but there is always an element of luck and like last year our injury list is looking very good.”

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