ESSENDON's four-point loss to Richmond on Saturday may have come with a hefty price, with Andrew Welsh, Angus Monfries and Jay Neagle all in doubt for next weekend.

Welsh, 25, suffered concussion in the first quarter and is rated the most likely out of the three to be available for the Bombers' next test against Collingwood.

Monfries, 21, and Neagle, 20, both injured ankles during Saturday's loss and are listed as in doubt for selection this week by the club.

A n Essendon statement released on Monday revealed just how stretched the club's playing resources are. The injury list contains an incredible 18 names.

The club also reports defender Dustin Fletcher may return against the Magpies after battling an ankle injury that kept him from facing the Tigers and that Courtney Johns also underwent a full knee reconstruction on Monday.

The Bombers have also upgraded rookie Rhys Magin to the primary list after moving Jason Winderlich, who is suffering from a back complaint, to the long-term injury list.