Gun Kangaroos recruit Jaidyn Stephenson has had surgery on his troublesome hand injury, which will keep him out of action for up to six weeks, while Essendon and Port Adelaide have provided an update on their injured stars.

The 22-year-old suffered a fine fracture on his scaphoid, which North Melbourne claims didn't occur at any specific moment in Stephenson's clash against his former side the Magpies.

North are already operating with a skeleton crew, with injuries to Jed Anderson, Robbie Tarrant and Luke McDonald amongst many others making matters worse for a side that has failed to register a win in 2021.

Stephenson, who arrived from Collingwood in 2020's trade period following their infamous trade exodus, has had a strong start to life at Arden Street under new coach David Noble.

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The midfielder has averaged a career-high 19.2 disposals as well as 1.3 goals per game and 2.9 shots at goal per game, playing more in the midfield.

Meanwhile, the Bombers have provided an update on Jake Stringer and Jye Caldwell following their narrow loss to the Giants on Saturday.

Stringer was subbed out in the third term after grabbing at his leg in the first quarter, with Essendon GM Josh Mahoney confirming that the 27-year-old will miss up to a month of football.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Jye Caldwell of the Bombers runs with the ball during the round one AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium on March 20, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Ex-Giant Caldwell's season is in now doubt after he re-injured his hamstring during a training session, requiring surgery.

Caldwell, who was recovering from an earlier hamstring injury, arrived from the Giants for season 2021 and has had a stunted start to life at The Hanger.

Finally, Port Adelaide has given news on Dan Houston following his subbing-out during Saturday night's Showdown against the Crows as well as injured star Zak Butters.

Houston was involved in a collision in the third term, with fears he re-injured his shoulder that he hurt only weeks ago.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Zak Butters of Port Adelaide celebrates kicking a goal during the round 16 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Port Adelaide Power at Metricon Stadium on September 05, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

However, the Power medical staff have confirmed that Houston will be monitored throughout the week with selectors deciding on his availability at a later date for the side's clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Butters will also be out for longer than expected, with nerve issues in his injured ankle meaning that more work will need to be done to get the 20-year-old back fit.