Essendon has had its first major setback of the pre-season with news today that brilliant forward Damian Cupido will undergo knee surgery. Cupido was troubled by patella tendonitis for much of last season but specialists have decided the condition now requires surgery. The operation will mean Cupido won't run again until early January but he is still expected to be available for Essendon's Round One clash with Port Adelaide in late March.

""We managed the condition quite well last season but it has got to the stage where that was no longer the best course of action,"" Essendon football manager Dominic Cato said. ""Now was the right time to do it as it means he is still a very good chance of playing in round one.""

And there was further bad news for the Bombers today with youngster Darren Walsh being diagnosed with glandular fever. Walsh will be out of action for at least the next six weeks.