Essendon captain Jobe Watson is recovering well from surgery to repair a ruptured rectus femoris tendon.

Watson was at the True Value Solar Centre earlier this week and attended Sunday afternoon’s disappointing loss against Melbourne at the MCG.

Club doctor Bruce Reid said the captain’s recovery was now the priority.

“Jobe’s surgery was very successful and he comes out no sorer then when he went in,” Reid said.

“They have repaired that tendon and it is just healing time so he won’t do much until about the three to four weeks mark when he will be able to turn his legs over on a bike.”

In further injury news, veteran defender Dustin Fletcher is a good chance to take on Adelaide on Saturday night after a slight strain in his back kept him out of the loss to the Demons.

Fletcher was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s clash after not recovering from the back soreness.

“He strained a muscle in his back but there is nothing structural in the spines itself. But he was still a bit sore on Friday so we decided it would be a good idea to let that settle down,” Reid said.

“Fletch is a good chance this week.”

Kyle Hardingham made a successful return from injury against Werribee in the VFL, finishing the match with four goals.

Reid said his progress was positive after getting through the match.

“Kyle had a severe knock to his scapula in his back but he would push up for selection this year I would think,” Reid said.

Tayte Pears is likely to line up in Sunday’s VFL clash against Coburg after overcoming a calf complaint.

“Tayte is going very well but because he has had limited preparation we decided to go a full week this week before he returns.”