The Bombers have been dealt be a blow, with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger set to be sidelined for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Leuenberger limped off the ground during the side's final JLT Series game against Geelong after landing awkwardly in a ruck contest.
Essendon high performance manager Justin Crowe confirmed on Tuesday that he has suffered a medial strain.
"It's a medial strain, which is in the inside of the hamstring, so he'll be back in full training in three weeks and then looking to play about round three territory," he said.
It will put further strain on the Bombers'ruck stocks, with Tom Bellchambers unable to play a pre-season game due to a knee injury, meaning Shaun McKernan is likely to play in round one.
