SYDNEY and Essendon are both dealing with injury headaches in their forward lines ahead of their round two bout at the SCG, with Bombers speedster Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti the latest to have doubt cast over his availability for the clash.

MUST WATCH Nine games you can't miss

McDonald-Tipungwuti sustained an ankle injury during the club's match simulation training session on Saturday, with the star small forward now expected to be unlikely to make the trip to face the Swans on Sunday afternoon.

Essendon will already be without fellow forward duo Joe Daniher (groin) and Orazio Fantasia (quad), while Jake Stringer is battling toe soreness and limped from training for an extended period on Saturday.

However, the Bombers do anticipate Irish gun Conor McKenna will play having served his mandatory quarantine period after returning to the country last month.

THE 22 FOR ROUND TWO Our reporters predict your line-ups

Sydney also has its injury concerns forward of the ball, with key-position duo Lance Franklin (hamstring) and Sam Reid (calf) ruled out of the clash.

CAN'T RUN FOR 3-4 WEEKS Superstar to miss months 

Small forward Ben Ronke (knee) will also be unavailable.