Joe Misiti's broken wrist is worse than first thought and he will now miss the next six weeks. It was initially hoped Misiti would miss just four weeks but further examination has shown Misiti will require surgery. He will be operated on tomorrow afternoon and have a rod inserted into the broken bone. It is bad news for the Bombers who have had a shocking run with injury in the past two weeks.

Against Fremantle, the Bombers' lost star players James Hird and Matthew Lloyd in the space of five minutes. Misiti was elevated to captain against Carlton but lasted just over a quarter before falling awkwardly after being tackled and breaking his wrist.

""It is very disappointing. We have a few senior players out at the moment and it wasn't what we needed but there's not much I can do about it now,"" Misiti said. ""It is just a matter of trying to get it right as quickly as I can. I thought I was in trouble the minute I felt some pain. I couldn't move it so something was obviously wrong.""

Sean Wellman remains the only member of the Essendon leadership group that is fully fit although Mark Mercuri (groin) is certain to return to the senior side this weekend against St Kilda. Aaron Henneman (hamstring) is also a chance of returning against the Saints.