Star West Coast forward Josh Kennedy has been ruled out of Thursday night’s clash with Essendon after sustaining a hairline fracture in his lower leg.

The two-time Coleman Medallist could miss up to three weeks with the injury, joining in-form forward Jack Darling on the sidelines.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson addressed the media on the issue this afternoon.

“I don’t think it’s a significant injury, but it’s probably enough to keep him out this week,” Simpson said.

“I don’t think it’s a long-term issue at all.”

Simpson said Kennedy hurt his leg in the last quarter of the Eagles round 13 clash with Sydney last Friday night.

Kennedy missed the first three weeks of the season with an ankle injury.