Hawthorn stars Sam Mitchell and Jack Gunston are racing the clock to be fit for Friday night's match against Essendon.

Mitchell was rested from training on Thursday with general soreness, while Gunston is struggling to overcome a knock to the ankle he received during the Hawks' win over Melbourne last week.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said both players would face fitness tests before they are given the all clear to take on the Bombers on Friday night.

"'Mitch' has been a bit sore this week so he won't train today and we'll make a decision this afternoon on whether he plays or not and the same with Jack," Clarkson said.

"That happens at this time of the year with six-day breaks, so we'll just see how that unfolds over the course of the day."

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