Important Essendon defender Patrick Ambrose is unlikely to return this year, while versatile recruit Jake Stringer will also be sidelined for a number of weeks.

Both Bombers were sent for scans on Monday after injuries sustained in the club’s 16-point loss to Collingwood on Sunday.

Ambrose suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the loss and the scans confirmed a significant strain.

“Pat Ambrose has a hamstring strain and the tendon is impacted, but it will not require surgery,” Physical Performance Manager Justin Crow said on Monday.

“Early estimations suggest this is a 10-week injury.”

Stringer was limited as he played out the match at the MCG and his scans revealed a calf injury that could sideline the Bombers’ leading goalkicker for up to a month.

“Stringer has a calf strain and the normal recovery for such an injury has him looking at four weeks on the sidelines,” Crow said.

Crow will comprehensively discuss the injuries and the remainder of the club’s injury list in the SKINS Injury Update this Wednesday.