ESSENDON has received some welcome news, with Tuesday morning's surgery on young player Scott Gumbleton being declared a success.

Gumbleton had an operation at Epworth Hospital to repair a bulging disk in his back and is now resting.

The 195cm key position prospect was taken by the Bombers with pick two in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, but has played just five matches due to hamstring, knee and cheekbone injuries.

The latest setback came after Gumbleton played the first two NAB Cup games this year.

Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the operation had gone as planned.

"This is a serious operation and we are all very pleased to hear that it went well," Hamilton said.

"Scott will now begin his 12-week rehabilitation program and I am sure he is eager to get stuck into it."

We will provide him with all the help and assistance we can to aid his recovery. He is just 20-years-old and is determined to get back and play good football for Essendon."

Fellow Bomber Jason Winderlich went though two operations last year to repair a similar problem and has played both games this season.

Hamilton said Gumbleton could even return this season if everything went right.

"We haven't ruled Scott out for a return to football later this year, but this is a serious injury and we will not be rushing him," he said.