Young midfielder Jye Caldwell is in some doubt ahead of Essendon’s round 22 clash with North Melbourne.

Caldwell was subbed out of last week’s match at three-quarter time with a hip complaint and has been labelled as a test for Saturday afternoon’s fixture.

GM of Performance Daniel McPherson said the 22-year-old will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.

“Jye experienced some tightness in his hip flexor during last week’s game, which was the reason he was subbed out at three-quarter time,” McPherson said.

“We’ve managed his loads this week and we’re hopeful he’ll be able to take his place in this week’s side, but we won’t know for sure until later in the week."

Forward Jake Stringer may also return to the Dons’ best 22 after managing a foot complaint, with the 29-year-old potentially playing his first game since round 19.

“Jake’s starting to get his power back from that foot complaint, which is really promising,” McPherson said.

“His training loads are progressing and he’s continuing to tick off the necessary metrics towards a return to play. Whether he’s progressed enough to play this week or not, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Ruckman Sam Draper has been given a timeframe for the first time in his comeback from a hip injury.

The Bombers have slated a 1-2 week return for the 24-year-old, which could see him return for Essendon’s clash with GWS.

Defender James Stewart has been ruled out of selection for at least one week after suffering an adductor strain in the Bombers’ VFL clash with Southport.

Essendon round 22 injury list