Essendon can confirm Kyle Langford will likely miss approximately the next three weeks after the 24-year-old suffered a hamstring strain in Sunday's loss to Sydney at the MCG.

The Bombers will also likely be without Dyson Heppell against the Bulldogs on Sunday, with the captain set to be sidelined for only a week after scans revealed a broken thumb on his left hand.

General manager of football Josh Mahoney said the pair played out the game despite the injuries.

“Scans today have confirmed a minor hamstring strain for Kyle. We’re disappointed to be without him for a period of time, particularly given he had just returned from a similar strain after completing a thorough rehab program and performed very well yesterday,” Mahoney said.

“Dyson played on yesterday with that broken thumb and he went for scans this morning which confirmed a fracture. He has undergone surgery this afternoon and he will likely miss this week but we will wait and see how this progresses over the coming days.

“In pleasing news, Jayden Laverde has been cleared of serious damage to his shoulder and will be a test for selection this weekend."