SCOTT Gumbleton is set for a return to football, with the injury-plagued Essendon forward likely to play in the VFL next week.

Gumbleton had surgery on his back in November after suffering reoccurring back spasms during the pre-season, and was placed on the club's long-term injury list.

But, after being eased into training, the 23-year-old is expected to play in the VFL next week when Essendon's affiliate Bendigo take on Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday. Bendigo has a bye this weekend.

"Scott trained really well on Wednesday and was in the pool today for training, but for no reason, just to keep him off his legs and get him ready for next week," Essendon coach James Hird told AFL.com.au.

"We're all just crossing our fingers and we'll get excited once he has played the game. Scott's a very exciting player for us and it'll be great to have him back in the team."

Hird said despite Gumbleton's struggles the mobile big man had remained optimistic and that he would need about a month of VFL form before pushing for senior selection.

"Scott's had his ups and downs. It's been a long process since the operation last year and even through last season, but you can see that he's got a smile on his face now and he's ready to go," Hird said.

"We'll get him fit and up and playing, and maybe after three or four weeks of VFL footy we'd hope to start to bring him in."

Gumbleton has played 22 games since being drafted by Essendon with pick two in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.

Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.