Essendon forward Mitch Brown is expected to be sidelined for approximately three to four weeks, after scans confirmed the 28-year-old has sustained a fracture in his wrist.

Brown was sidelined late in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s clash against Collingwood at the MCG.

General Manager of Football Dan Richardson said the positive news was Brown would not require surgery.

“It’s disappointing for Mitch given he’s been playing a valuable role for us and in solid form so far this season,” Richardson said.

“He will miss roughly the next three to four weeks of football, but pleasingly he doesn’t require surgery on the fracture.

“He is able to continue his running program immediately and will fully commit to his rehabilitation process over the next four weeks to ensure a return to football as soon as possible.”