Essendon duo Cale Hooker and David Zaharakis have both endured injury setbacks.
After undergoing post-season surgery on his hip, Hooker is still experiencing some discomfort.
“Cale finished the season with some hip pain. We felt that with an extended period of rest over the off-season, this pain would go,” Bombers head of medical services David Rundle told essendonfc.com.au.
“But unfortunately, after a few weeks of running, the hip pain was still there and probably getting a bit worse.
“We sought specialist opinion and he underwent an arthroscopy yesterday – a relatively minor procedure – and we should see him back up and running in the new year.”
Zaharakis is set to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair a minor torn meniscus in his right knee.
“David had ankle surgery in the off-season, he was rehabilitating really well following that and his ankle was feeling great," Rundle said.
“Unfortunately, after a couple of weeks of running, his right knee had some swelling and clicking in it and he was found to have a small meniscus tear. He’s undergoing an arthroscopy today.”
Bombers youngster Noah Gown has also re-fractured a bone in his foot and is seeking further advice from a specialist on Friday.
