Essendon has placed Kobe Mutch on the long-term injury list after the midfielder suffered a high-grade hamstring strain earlier this month.

The 21-year-old will be sidelined as he recovers from the injury he sustained in the Bombers’ round three clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

Defender Ben McNiece has now been elevated to the club’s senior list.

“It is unfortunate that Kobe will be on the long-term injury list, however it provides a good opportunity for Ben to challenge for senior selection,” general manager of football Dan Richardson said.

McNiece has played 10 games in the red and black since joining the club at the end of 2016.

The defender was drafted by the Bombers as a Next Generation Academy player.