A trio of Bombers are currently placed under injury clouds this pre-season, while veteran Michael Hurley has taken a major step in his recovery from a hip infection.

As reported byย 7 News' Mitch Cleary, forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (calf), youngster Zach Reid (foot) and utility Archie Perkins (calf) are all currently battling separate setbacks ahead of the 2022 season.

Reports emerged earlier this year of McDonald-Tipungwuti's most recent injury, with Cleary revealing the Bombers star hasn't trained with the club's main program in six weeks.

A timeline on the 28-year-old's return remains unclear, with Round 1 now just 46 days away for the Bombers - a deadline McDonald-Tipungwuti is reportedly in major doubt of reaching in his recovery.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers and Billie Smedts of the Blues in action during the 2017 AFL round 20 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 05, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Reid, who managed just the one appearance in his maiden season at Tullamarine last year due to a back injury, has faced further setbacks in his hopes of returning to Ben Rutten's senior side early this year.

Fellow 2020 top 10 draft selection Perkins is battling a calf complaint, however is expected to make a return to training well ahead of the Bombers' season opener against Geelong on March 19.

In more positive news for Essendon, Hurley has continued to show great progression in his return from hip surgery, ramping up his workload at pre-season training this week.

The 31-year-old won't feature in the early rounds of the 2022 season, with the Bombers taking a conservative approach with the veteran defender's recuperation.

The Bombers are currently scheduled to face the Bulldogs and Saints as part of their pre-season practice match fixtures, before facing Geelong in Round 1 of the premiership season at the MCG on March 19.