Jake Stringer will miss Essendon's unofficial practice match against Gold Coast after suffering a hamstring strain at training.
The Bombers, who are scheduled to meet the Suns at Carrara Stadium on Thursday afternoon, confirmed in a statement that Stringer will not make the trip north after experiencing hamstring tightness after a training session.
A further update by the club confirmed Stringer has suffered a strain to his hamstring, with the ailment placing the fiery Bomber in some doubt for his side's Round 1 showing.
Stringer made the move to Tullamarine ahead of the 2018 season after five seasons as a Bulldog, heading into the 2023 season with 172 games under his belt. The forward has recently been plagued by injury concerns though, with groin and back concerns hampering his pre-season efforts.
Elsewhere at the Dons, new recruit Elijah Tsatas will miss the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery, while Ben Hobbs and Matt Guelfi continue their recoveries from respective calf injuries.
Meanwhile, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has been included in the 34-man squad travelling to the Gold Coast after rejoining the club following his 2022 retirement.
Essendon will play two practice matches before the season kicks off, scheduled to face the Suns in an unofficial hitout before travelling to Moorabbin to take on the Saints on March 4.
The Bombers' season will start on Sunday, March 19 against Hawthorn at the MCG.
