MELBOURNE forward Dean Kent is set to miss up to a month after injuring his left hamstring in the Demons' 46-point loss to Richmond at the MCG on Tuesday night.

Kent had scans on Wednesday morning to determine the damage, and the Demons' match committee will be forced to make at least one change to the side for Sunday's quick turnaround clash with Essendon.

The Demons have just four days to prepare for the game against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium.

"It was pretty disappointing (to get injured) and the result didn't go our way, but we look forward to Sunday," Kent told AFL.com.au.

"I've got scans this morning but we'll see how we go after that, so hopefully (not too serious) touch wood."

Defender Neville Jetta appeared to again tweak his ankle against the Tigers following a similar injury against the Hawks the week earlier and could pull up sore, however he did play out the match.

Veteran defender Jordan Lewis is a chance to return from a broken hand against the Bombers, while star forward Tom McDonald will be pushing to play, but the length of time he has been on the sidelines may rule him out of Sunday.

Tomas Bugg injured his leg in the VFL last Sunday and it is still unclear if he will be sidelined for any period of time.

Although Kent has been one of the club's best performed forwards over the last three weeks in booting six goals, Melbourne at least has options to fill his spot during his time on the sidelines.

AFL.com.au has taken a look at the possible replacements for Kent.

Bayley Fritsch

The first-year forward was dropped for Tuesday night's match against the Tigers, but it was to give him a rest as much as anything. Fritsch played in the first four matches of the season and proved why the Demons have high hopes for him. His aerial ability and his desire to compete, despite his light frame, should see him seriously considered for the match against the Bombers.

Mitch Hannan

Was omitted after the loss to the Cats in round one, but the young high flyer has been solid in the VFL over the last few weeks. Hannan has been spending time in the midfield and up forward and his athletic capabilities would be appealing for Melbourne. Hannan collected 18 disposals against Richmond's VFL team last Sunday. Offers something Melbourne is lacking at present.

Cameron Pedersen

This is not a like-for-like replacement, but Pedersen has been Melbourne's best performed VFL player. The tall utility booted five goals against the Tigers last weekend to signal to selectors that he is ready to return. His inclusion would allow Sam Weideman and Jesse Hogan to remain inside forward 50 for big periods in the game.

Tim Smith

The mature-aged forward was one of five players held out of the VFL game last weekend. Smith is a crash-and-bash forward who can provide a contest in the air and at ground level. The 192cm forward has also had stints in the midfield at VFL level to add to his versaility. Will be considered strongly.

Charlie Spargo

One from left field but the Demons' top pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, No.29 overall, will be in the conversation this weekend. Returning from a VFL suspension, Spargo gathered 19 disposals and booted two goals. The 18-year-old is a smart player and he generally takes his chances in front of goal.