ESSENDON'S win over Melbourne on Friday night has been soured by news that Shaun McKernan and Kobe Mutch will both miss several weeks with hamstring strains suffered during the game. 

Youngster Mutch could miss up to 12 weeks after injury ruled him out of the clash with the Demons during the first quarter, while four-goal star McKernan will miss at least six weeks despite playing out the game. 

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"Kobe was sidelined early in the first quarter, while Shaun's was less severe and able to play out the rest of the game," Bombers football boss Dan Richardson said. 

"While disappointing, both Shaun and Kobe will apply themselves with full dedication to their rehabilitation program over the comings weeks."

There is some looming good news on the injury front for the Bombers, with Cale Hooker likely to return from a calf injury against Brisbane and David Myers a good chance to return after being a late withdrawal against the Demons through illness.