Essendon forward Joe Daniher could be set to make his return to action as early as next week after more than 12 months on the sidelines.

AFL reporter Tom Browne said on Triple M this morning that Daniher could return to the senior side pending on training this week.

Coach John Worsfold said post-game on Sunday that Daniher was "tracking well" towards making his long-awaited return, but failed to commit to a definitive timeline.

"His progression has been good," Worsfold said.

“He was progressing really well before he did his calf and he’s now back starting to do full training loads which is great.

“That changes where everything is at and we’ll just monitor him as we go.

“We’ve got quite a few players that are working their backsides off to be available in coming weeks so we’ll welcome any players as they start to come through these long-term injuries.

“There’s a lot of measures the boys use what their current loads are in these shorter games and what the players have been doing in training loads. Joe is progressing really well.

“I couldn’t tell you right now what his training loads have been this week and whether they match up to game volumes.

“I’m going to be excited to hear about where he has progressed to.’’

The Bombers face Richmond at TIO Stadium on Saturday night at 7.40pm AEST.