AFL Injury News: Essendon Bombers suffer fresh setback with star midfielder ruled out for three weeks

The Essendon Bombers will be without star midfielder Darcy Parish for the next three weeks. The 26-year-old picked up a calf injury in the Dons' 106-66 win over North Melbourne on Sunday.

Parish was a late withdrawal in the Bombers' Round 10-win over the Kangaroos. The midfielder woke up sore on the morning of the clash, and scans on Monday revealed a minor calf strain.

Parish will miss his side's next three games, which includes the 'Dreamtime at the 'G clash' with Richmond Tigers on Saturday, May 25. The Bombers are hopeful he will be good to go after their bye in Round 14.

Speaking on Parish's injury, Essendon GM of Football Operations, Daniel McPherson said the 26-year-old's absence is a setback as he had been in terrific form recently. He said (via Zero Hanger):

"After missing the first couple of games of the season, Darcy's season was building nicely and he'd been playing some terrific football for us in recent weeks, so this latest setback, although relatively minor, is frustrating."

"Given Darcy's importance to our team, we'll use the next few weeks, plus the mid-season bye week, to ensure he is in great shape heading into the second half of the season."

The Essendon Bombers star will miss the games against Richmond, Gold Coast, and Carlton in Round 11, Round 12 and Round 13, respectively.

Essendon Bombers will hope to continue their scintillating form against Richmond Tigers in Round 11

The Essendon Bombers will hope to continue brilliant form when they clash with the Richmond Tigers in Round 11. The Bombers moved into second on the AFL standings following a convincing 40-point win over North Melbourne in Round 10.

Brad Scott's side have not lost since Round 5, picking up five wins and an impressive Anzac Match Day draw against Collingwood. They will next play the Tigers who have managed only one win this term in the highly anticipated Dreamtime at the 'G.

The Tigers however have a better head-to-head record in the Dreamtime at the 'G, having won four of their last five meetings against the Bombers.