Essendon's wretched run with injury in recent weeks has worsened tonight with news that in-form ruckman Steven Alessio will be sidelined for the next four weeks with a knee injury. Alessio had arthroscopic surgery this afternoon to repair surface cartilage damage in his knee joint. ""Initially we didn't think surgery would be required,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""But his recovery had stalled and after re-assessing the injury the medical staff decided he would need an arthroscope.""

The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Alessio who had strung together three excellent games for the Bombers against Collingwood, West Coast and Richmond. ""He has been exceptionally good for us in the past three rounds so it is extremely unfortunate. Steven is bitterly disappointed but he just has to put his head down and get on with the rehabilitation process,"" Drain said. ""We are hopeful of getting him back in three to four weeks.""

The loss of Alessio poses a selection dilemma for the Bombers - just who will partner John Barnes against Melbourne? Jonathon Robran and Judd Lalich have filled the role as running ruckmen to great effect in the VFL side at times in the past 18 months and will be considered. They also give the coaching staff options as key position players. David Hille is the other obvious option. Hille has been a touch quiet the past couple of weeks in the VFL side but there is no doubt he is a vastly improved player this year.

Alessio's injury comes on top of other knee injuries to Michael Long, Joe Misiti, Mark Mercuri and Chris Heffernan. Heffernan is a chance to play this weekend in the VFL side while Long, Mercuri and Misiti are all at least three weeks away from returning.