Essendon selectors have named Mark Mercuri, Michael Long and Paul Barnard in a squad of 25 for next Tuesday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.

The trio all trained strongly at Windy Hill last night and selectors had no hesitation in rushing them straight back into the starting 18.

The squad of 25 will be cut to 22 on Easter Sunday.

Long has missed the past two matches against Carlton and the Western Bulldogs after suffering a badly corked hip against Hawthorn.

Mercuri has missed just the one match after straining a buttock muscle against Carlton in round five.

Paul Barnard was a late withdrawal from last week's match against the Western Bulldogs after a cut foot became infected.

All three have benefitted greatly from the 11-day break between the Western Bulldogs clash and next Tuesday's game.

The break has also given the rest of the team a chance to freshen up after the hectic start to the season.

"Obviously we are pleased to have three quality players back for next Tuesday," Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.

"It is a pleasant problem for selectors to have. This is a very difficult side to get into at the moment."