Essendon's powerhouse trio - Dustin Fletcher, Matthew Lloyd and James Hird - are set to return this weekend for the important clash against West Coast. The three have been battling injury for the past two weeks and their absence has left the side light on for experience. Fitness coach John Quinn is expecting the three of them to participate in full training this week and said it is a bonus that we are not playing until later in the weekend. ""Because we are not playing until Sunday it gives the injured players a few extra days to get themselves right. We have got a nine-day break between matches so it also gives the other players a good opportunity to recover fully from the game against Port,"" Quinn said.

Hird had a highly publicised DVT scare last week, which turned out to be a blood clot in a superficial vein of the calf muscle. Fortunately for Hird and the club the blood clot dissolved and he had no permanent damage. The Bomber skipper has missed two weeks with the injury and is almost a certain starter for the Round 10 clash. ""Luckily the injury to James was not as serious as it could have been. There is no repercussions from the blood clot - he has full use of his leg and is able to run and kick without any problems,"" Quinn said.

Fletcher's horrid run with injury this season continued last week when he missed another match with strained ankle ligaments. Fletcher has only played three matches this season due to injury and suspension. The All Australian defender was severely missed last week against Port Adelaide when the Bombers struggled to contain forward Warren Tredrea - he finished the match with seven goals. ""Dustin has been doing light running work over the past few weeks and also spent time in the hyperbaric chamber in an attempt to fast track his recovery. He will start kicking this week and hopefully the ankle should stand up,"" Quinn said.

Lloyd aggravated his thigh injury just prior to the match against Hawthorn and as a result missed the Port Adelaide game. The Bomber spearhead participated in modified training last week and has repaired the damage done. ""When you have a soft tissue injury you have to make sure the injury is 100% recovered otherwise you triple the chances of reinjuring. Matthew still had a few niggles in the thigh area late last week and we decided not to risk him. He will do light intensity work at the start of the week and should get into full training midway through the week,"" Quinn said.

Mark Mercuri received a heavy knock midway through the final quarter from Peter Burgoyne. Mercuri immediately left the ground on a stretcher and took no further part in the match. The Essendon medical staff is monitoring the dual premiership player this week and at this stage it appears as though he will miss with concussion.

Adam Ramanauskas is making good progress and will resume limited skills work this week. ""Rama has been doing cross training work and will start skill work for the first time this week. Another player that has missed a lot of footy - Aaron Henneman - will return this week. A groin problem has kept him out all season but he is fully fit and available for selection,"" Quinn said.