Essendon has confirmed new recruit Adam Cooney will miss the next three matches with a hamstring injury.

The former Bulldog has made an impressive start to his career with the Bombers, averaging 15 possessions a game.

But he’ll have to watch from the sidelines when Essendon takes on Collingwood on Saturday.

“That was disappointing. Just before three quarter time he had a definite tear to his hamstring,” Club Doctor Bruce Reid said.

David Zaharakis left the field briefly during the Bombers win over Carlton.

He copped a kick to the knee and will be monitored throughout the week.

“He came off the ground for a couple of minutes and played out the second half. He’s running pretty freely today so we’ll see how he is on Thursday,” Dr Reid said.

Club medical staff are also keeping an eye on Jake Carlisle.

The key forward was troubled by a groin complaint during the second quarter last weekend.

He had precautionary scans on Monday but was running well at training today.

Paul Chapman is a certain starter despite having to leave the field after his clash with Carlton’s Chris Yarran.

“He’s as good as gold and will play,” Dr Reid said.

There was bad news for Lauchlan Dalgleish in the VFL. The dashing defender suffered a knee injury.

“He’s got a grade one posterior cruciate ligament so he’ll miss a couple of weeks,” Dr Reid said.