""It is very good news for Mark. We thought there might have been a break there and that could have seen him sidelined for quite some time,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""There is some bruising there and we will assess him during the week before making a decision on whether he plays against Carlton.""
Johnson landed awkwardly during the second quarter after attempting to hip and shoulder Port Adelaide's Brett Montgomery. He immediately came off the ground and took no further part in the match. Club officials actually sent Johnson home two hours before the rest of the side so that his condition could be assessed and a rehabilitation program mapped out.
And there was further good news for the Bombers with Michael Long a chance to play in the VFL this weekend. Long was playing his first match since round five on the weekend but left the ground after only 10 minutes after landing awkwardly. ""He twisted the knee slightly but there was no swelling and he has done some running this morning. We will push on with his program and see if we can get a half out of him in the reserves on the weekend,"" Drain said.
In other injury news, full back Dustin Fletcher, a late withdrawal from the Port Adelaide game, is a certain starter against Carlton. Mark Mercuri is also expected to play - he sat on the bench in the second half against Port Adelaide after suffering a corked calf. Justin Blumfield will resume the following week against Sydney - a match that could also see Dean Rioli return to senior football. ""Dean could possibly play against Sydney - it will depend on how he feels in the next couple of weeks and whether we want to take the cautious approach,"" Drain said.
