DUSTIN Fletcher's absence from the Essendon side is set to be prolonged, with the veteran defender to meet a surgeon this week to review his finger injury.
The 39-year-old, who missed last week's loss to Richmond with the injury, is still in pain with the tendon injury and is unlikely to be back for the Bombers' clash with West Coast on Saturday.
Club doctor Bruce Reid said Fletcher, who has played 393 games for the Bombers, will meet with leading surgeon Greg Hoy to discuss the complaint.
"Dustin is a problem because he dislocated his finger and also tore part of a tendon in that finger," Reid told the Essendon website.
"He is still very sore so he will be reviewed by Greg Hoy and there is a bit of a problem because of that finger."
Fletcher is yet to announce whether he will play on for a 23rd season in 2015.
In better news for the Bombers, who are battling for a place in the top eight, captain Jobe Watson and important half-back Michael Hibberd are expected to return from injury to face the Eagles.
Watson completed training over the weekend and looks set for his first game since hip tendon surgery after round 12, while Hibberd has overcome a hamstring concern.
"Jobe did a really hard session on Saturday and he is just joining in so he should play this week," Reid said.
"On his scan at 10 weeks we like to look at the tendon and if it is looking black on the scan we are very happy."
Jobe Watson is set to make his much-needed comeback for Essendon this weekend. Picture: AFL Media
Jackson Merrett injured his buttock in the VFL on the weekend and is in doubt, while defender Tayte Pears, who has not played a senior game in 2014, will undergo season-ending surgery this week to remove a spur on his heel.
