Essendon coach John Worsfold says star forward Joe Daniher is “a long way off being back playing” as he recovers from osteitis pubis.

Daniher – who booted 65 goals last year to be named an All Australian – has not played since facing Hawthorn in round seven when it was revealed he had been battling early signs of the condition.

"Joey obviously was like an early onset OP that we decided we wanted to make sure it didn't progress," Worsfold said on Sportsday WA on Wednesday.

"But what we found once we stopped him doing everything and rested him, he was a lot sorer than he was letting on.”

The club is taking a conservative approach with his rehabilitation and Worsfold said it is important for the club to remain patient with last year’s Crichton Medallist on the sidelines.

“It meant it was going to be a longer period of down time, so he's a long way off being back playing.

"Our plan is that we don't want this to turn into an injury that lingers into the pre-season and into next year, so we've got to make sure we manage it really well.

"So Joey's a fair way off."

The Bombers will look to continue their strong form turnaround with a tough challenge against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.