Essendon defender Aaron Francis remains on mental health leave in South Australia, but the Bombers are hopeful the 23-year-old will return to the club soon.
The former first-round draft pick has not played since the Bombers' round 12 match against Richmond in Perth.
Drafted from West Adelaide in 2015, Francis is back home with family after taking some time out from football.
Bombers coach Ben Rutten confirmed Francis would not be available for selection in the AFL or VFL this weekend.
"We would expect him back (at the club) later this week," Rutten said.
"All things being equal, we understand it's a moving, changing landscape (due to border restrictions). Our expectations are we're hoping he'll be back."
Francis' absence leaves Essendon's defensive stocks somewhat depleted ahead of their clash with premiership contenders Geelong on Friday night.
The Cats are coming off a 44-point thrashing at the hands of the Brisbane Lions but boast arguably the most dangerous forward line in the AFL with Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan.
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"We've got some options there, we're just weighing up whether (Jordan) Ridley will be able to handle that extra tall," Rutten said.
It will be the Bombers' first home-and-away match at the Cats' GMHBA Stadium fortress since 1993.
However, Essendon did gain experience at the ground in a pre-season match earlier this year.
"That was pretty early stages in our prep for the season ... but certainly at the time it gave our guys a bit of confidence and belief," Rutten said.
It will be another giant test for the developing Bombers (6-8), who fell 11 points short last Saturday night against ladder-leader Melbourne at the MCG.
