Highly rated Essendon youngster Aaron Francis has been cleared of a leg injury and is expected to be available for selection this weekend.

Francis left the field in the early stages of the Bombers match against Sandringham in the VFL on Sunday.

“He presented like he had a tear in his rectus femoris (quad),” Essendon’s Head Physiotherapist Peter Blanch said.

“Scans this morning showed that not to be the case, so it looked like it was just an irritation of the cork that he copped during training last week.

“He got back on the track this morning and got through 6.5 kilometres and it looks like he’ll be in training and available this weekend.”

Francis was playing his third match in the VFL after the start to his season was delayed by a calf injury.

“He had a big kick and felt some tightening in his quad,” Blanch said.

“You don’t have those sophisticated machines on the side of the field and given his history we played on the cautious side with him.

“Luckily enough, he’s going to be ok."

Francis was taken with the sixth overall pick in last November’s National Draft.

He lined up in defence on Sunday, but also has an ability to play in attack.

Essendon’s VFL side faces Werribee on Saturday at Avalon Oval.