Developing Bomber defender Tayte Pears was operated on yesterday for a suspected tear to the pancreas suffered during Friday night's clash with the Hawks.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said that doctors found there was no tear but that he has a highly inflamed pancreas with bruising and bleeding.
He said the 20-year-old remains in intensive care this morning.
""This is a serious injury and he has had a fairly major operation,"" Hamilton said.
""The operation went well and it was great news that there was no tear. The doctors are confident he will make a full recovery.""
Hamilton said the 191cm defender will spend the next few days in hospital and that recovery from the operation will take at least eight weeks.
""It is hard to put a timeline on his recovery at the moment but we think he will miss at least the next two months.
""Our main concern has been for his health and the news overnight that he is going ok has been positive.
""We will just wait and see how his body recovers, we won't be rushing him.""
Hamilton said the 191cm West Australian was not aware of any injury after Friday night's game but started feeling stomach pain later that night.
He told staff at Saturday morning's recovery and was taken to hospital where his condition rapidly declined. He was operated on at around 3pm yesterday.
Hamilton said Pears sustained the injury about two minutes into the first quarter.
South Australian fan information: Essendon players and coaches will appear at 'Breakfast with the Bombers' in Adelaide the morning after their clash with the Crows.
When: Sunday, 4th July at 8:30am (doors open at 8am).
Where: Adelaide Hilton, Victoria Square.
Tickets cost $50 per adult and $25 for under 15's and includes a cooked breakfast, door prize, raffles, auctions, interviews with the players, autograph and photo opportunities.
Numbers are limited and booking can be made by emailing Jeff at: jeff12@adam.com.au or Brad at: bradleej@adam.com.au
