Essendon midfielder Heath Hocking is expected to sit out at least the next fortnight of football after straining his calf.

Hocking was ruled out of the Bombers clash against West Coast earlier in the week with a low-grade calf strain.

“Heath pulled up a bit sore after the match against the Gold Coast and had some scans which showed he has a minor strain to his calf muscle,” Football Operations Manager Steve Alessio said.

“We would be hopeful of seeing him back training fully and pushing for selection in the next two to three weeks.”

Hocking has been instrumental for the Bombers this season through the midfield, consistently taking the oppositions key midfielder each week.