Essendon has placed Jayden Laverde on the long term injury list.

The 20 year old injured his ankle during the second half of the JLT Community Series match against Geelong earlier this month.

He underwent surgery and the Club is hoping he'll return to playing soon after the mid-season bye.

Placing Laverde on the long term injury list allows the Club to promote a rookie who can then be selected in the senior side.

David Myers and Jordan Ridley are also on the long tem injury list with Shaun McKernan the only promoted rookie at this stage.

Laverde has played 18 games for the Bombers across his first two seasons in the AFL.