Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel is reportedly expected to avoid a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a quad complaint over the weekend.
Shiel was unable to finish the Bombers' Saturday training session, striking fears throughout the club that the 28-year-old could spend further time in the Tullamarine injury ward.
Essendon have endured a difficult pre-season with injuries, having seen Jake Stringer (groin), Zach Reid (foot) and Archie Perkins (calf) collect niggles ahead of the new season.
Livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has been placed on indefinite leave just over a month out from the Bombers' Round 1 clash with Geelong, having battled a calf injury in recent weeks.
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There could now be better news for Essendon, with News Corp reporting that scans on Shiel's hampered quad have cleared the onballer of any muscle tear.
Essendon's medical staff are set to place further assessment on Shiel's latest setback early this week in hope of bettering understanding the extent of the damage.
The former Giants star played just eight matches in 2021 after suffering a knee injury in Round 2 against Port Adelaide, not making his return until Round 19.
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Essendon are set for further match simulation this week, before scheduled pre-season fixtures with the Bulldogs and Saints as early as February 23.
