Essendon defender Patrick Ambrose is expected to join in training next week as he continues his recovery from a quad strain.

Ambrose suffered the injury on the eve of the clash with Melbourne.

The Bombers are targeting a round 11 return against GWS for the improving defender.

“He has been running since the back end of last week, he’s getting some good miles into the legs,” High Performance Manager Justin Crow said.

“He’ll join in training, kicking on his opposite side which is his left side, next week.

“He’s still on track to miss another three games.”

Mitch Brown and Jayden Laverde will be sidelined a little longer.

Brown injured his ankle against Melbourne and is currently in a moon boot.

He is about five to seven weeks away from a return.

Laverde will be sidelined until about round 15 after hurting his ankle during the pre-season.

First year player Jordan Ridley will take a significant step in his return from a back injury when he joins in training tomorrow.

“He’ll do a drill and the warm-up and he’s now aiming to return for the GWS week, which is the VFL game against North Ballarat in three weeks time,” Crow said.

Ridley has been on the injury list since early March.