Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis is set to miss Friday night’s clash against North Melbourne with an ankle complaint.

Speaking to the Bombers’ official website, their club doctor was less than optimistic about his chances.

“He twisted his ankle (against Fremantle). By the end of the game we had to leave him off for the last five to ten minutes,” Bruce Reid said.

“He’s probably in doubt for a couple of weeks unfortunately.”

Zaharakis has averaged almost 24 disposals in seven career games against the Kangaroos; he has only posted higher numbers against Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne in his seven years at Essendon to date.

Meanwhile Paul Chapman could return for Essendon after missing the last two weeks with a groin injury.

“He trained yesterday and we’ll throw him out with the big group tomorrow and hopefully he plays this week,” Reid said.