Matt Guelfi will be sidelined by a calf strain over the coming weeks after impressing in pre-season.
Essendon says Guelfi, 25, will miss the next few weeks of training, meaning his availability for Round 1 is unlikely to change.
Bombers GM of performance Daniel McPherson told the club’s website that Guelfi had a strong fitness base to springboard from the injury.
Speedy recovery, Guelf.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) February 3, 2023
“Matt suffered calf soreness following training and was sent for a precautionary MRI, which confirmed that he has a strain in his calf,” McPherson said.
“He is an important part of our team, and we will take the time to ensure he is fully recovered ahead of the season.”
Guelfi finished third in last year’s best and fairest in a career-best 20-game season and will enter his sixth season at Essendon in 2023.
The Bombers play Hawthorn in Round 1 on March 19.