Superstar Bombers forward Jake Stringer, who has dealt with a groin complaint this pre-season, has been left out of Essendon's side for this Saturday's season opener against Geelong.

Talking to the media Thursday morning, senior coach Ben Rutten announced Stringer "won't play this weekend" and stated the 27-year-old "hasn't done a huge amount of work recently."

Stringer didn't take part in a February intraclub game and has continued to battle the injury throughout the early stages of March.

Meanwhile, Rutten confirmed midfielder Dylan Shiel will play against the Cats.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Dylan Shiel of the Bombers looks dejected after the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Essendon Bombers at GIANTS Stadium on March 24, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

"Shiel will be fine," Rutten assured. "He's had a consistent pre-season and is ready to go."

Essendon's head man also opened the door to a Nick Martin debut, saying the pre-season supplemental signing is "a chance" to make his first appearance, but reiterated "we haven't finalised the team yet".

Kaine Baldwin, however, is a confirmed debutant, with the 19-year-old Glenelg product set to be a part of the Bombers' forward plans at the MCG this Saturday.