Star midfielder Darcy Parish remains a chance to return to action for Essendon this weekend, needing to train fully over the coming days to confirm if he’ll make the trip to face Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.

Young defender Zach Reid is expected to miss the next four weeks after suffering a hamstring strain in the Bombers’ round one win over Hawthorn.

The 21-year-old was subbed out of the contest at half-time after reporting hamstring awareness to fitness staff in the second quarter, with scans this week revealing the full extent of the injury.

Forward Matt Guelfi is also set to miss the next two weeks after straining his calf late in the final term on Saturday.

While the pair’s respective injuries were each graded as minor, the club will take a conservative approach to ensure their return to full fitness.

Jordan Ridley is tracking well in his recovery from a quad strain, eyeing off the Dons’ round three fixture against St Kilda as a likely return date pending how he gets through next week’s training block.

Dylan Shiel completed a full game in the VFL on Saturday, marking a successful playing return from his off-season foot surgery.

Essendon round two injury list 

Updated Tuesday, March 19