""He will definitely come back into the line-up,"" Knights said.
""He was a little bit sore late last week, he obviously trained pretty hard and wanted to get going again and got a little bit sore.
""We felt if we put him out there (VFL) with soreness we might run the risk of him doing something (injury). He is pretty keen to do well.
""Mark would probably think he owes the team, I don't believe he owes the team too much at all. He has been a great player for this footy club.
""Has he had many blemishes off field? No he hasn't. He made a mistake; we deal with it and get on with it. He doesn't owe the club anything, in fact the club probably owes him.""
To watch the Knights media conference on Bomber.tv click here
Meanwhile, Knights revealed that Jobe Watson is only at 70% fitness (ankle) and is no certainty to play against the Swans.
""He would have to train really well on Friday and at this stage he is no guarantee to play,"" he said.
""He has certainly made significant ground and is running pretty well in straight lines and built his pace up but he hasn't done any off-line work at the moment, that will come later in the week. I won't be playing him unless he is 100% fit.""
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The coach admitted the side faces a big challenge against Sydney especially with Angus Monfries to miss with hamstring tightness.
""He's been massive for us, his work rate is outstanding and he is going to be missed over the next couple of weeks,"" Knights said.
Knights doesn't think the mid-week retirement of Barry Hall from Sydney will have a huge impact on how intensely the Swans play but it will change their structures.
""Without Barry there it will be a different set-up ..but they have many other threats and are quite competent right across the ground,"" he said.
""With Barry and Michael O’Loughlin, because they're such great players, obviously you are going to go to them more but without Barry in they become a different kettle of fish because they have got another number of options which makes them a bit unpredictable I suppose.""
In a wide ranging interview Knights also said that he expects Michael Hurley to return to the senior side in the very near future after playing three impressive VFL games adding he could be given a role as a third tall forward next to Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas.
He said he was happy with the progress of Scott Gumbleton from a back injury but admitted, while the door was not closed, it would be very hard for the 20-year-old to play a senior game this season due to a lack of conditioning.
Essendon supporters can watch the game live on Foxtel from 2pm at the Windy Hill Venue. The Bistro will be open from 12noon for those wishing to enjoy a meal before the game. Phone 9230 0335 for more information.
