Essendon expects in-form defender Michael Hibberd to play against Richmond on Saturday despite having to manage an adductor injury this week.

Hibberd played out Essendon's surprise 10-point loss to the Brisbane Lions on the weekend but has pulled up sore from the clash after receiving a knock to the muscle.  

Bombers football operations manager Steve Alessio likened the injury to that which forced Brent Stanton to miss a game two weeks ago, but said the club expected Hibberd to face the Tigers.

"We're hopeful he'll be right this week. He did cop a whack and he was a bit tight, similar to Brent Stanton a couple of weeks ago," Alessio said.

"Brent's was almost a corkie to the adductor and that's why he cramped up, and 'Hibbo' is similar.

"We'll be putting him through his paces this week but at the moment we've got him in our team."

Hibberd has been a big part of Essendon's strong start to the season, providing run, skill and a composed head off half-back.

He has averaged 23 disposals and played every game, with Alessio saying the Bombers would gradually ramp up his training before the Dreamtime at the 'G game.

"Usually on Tuesday there's six to eight blokes who you're managing purely from a recovery point of view, so he's a part of that group. We'll manage him through the week," he said.

Michael Hurley will also be monitored through the week after concussion forced him to be substituted out of the first quarter against the Lions.

"With concussion we've got to be very careful with how the player responds, so we'll build up his work load throughout the week and if he responds to each session then he'll play," Alessio said.

"We'll make that decision around him later in the week. He was OK after the game and there hasn't seemed to be an issue up to this point.

"But with these things once you step up a training load, if there is going to be an issue, that's when it will happen."