The troublesome run with injury experienced by vital Essendon defender Jordan Ridley has continued, with the 27-year-old sidelined by a low-grade calf strain.
Ridley's return to play timeline is yet to be communicated, but he has been officially ruled out of Essendon's traditional clash with rivals Collingwood, on ANZAC Day.
Essendon released a statement on Sunday, confirming the unfortunate setback.
"The defender reported tightness in the third term of Saturday's clash against the Suns and was removed from the game - a follow-up scan on Sunday morning revealed the extent of the injury."
It adds to an injury history littered with soft tissue complaints, particularly in his lower body, with hamstring and quad strains, and a broken fibula, preceding this most recent setback.
Essendon have turned a corner in recent weeks, after an uncompetitive start to the season, and Ridley's recent inclusion was another reason for optimism.
Similarly, Collingwood's impotent forward line appeared to find its feet again in the last quarter of their comeback victory over Carlton on Thursday night. Dan McStay has nine goals from his last four matches, and Ridley would have been in consideration for that match up, which now appears certain to become Ben McKay's purview.
