Essendon could be without veteran Jason Winderlich for Round 1 against North according to the Herald Sun.

It’s understood he’s facing another spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. It comes as the club confirmed a similar injury to defender Michael Hibberd.

Both setbacks occurred in the Bomber’s 25- point NAB Challenge loss to Port Adelaide on Tuesday night.

Winderlich could spend up to a month out of the game.

The Bombers’ injury woes are a concern with Ruckman Tom Bellchambers’ pre-season surgery on his ankle, Alex Browne’s torn anterior cruciate ligament and utility Nick Kommer’s knee tendinitis.

Assistant coach Nathan Bassett said before the NAB Challenge match against the Power that Winderlich had an excellent pre-season.

“He’s probably kicked about 150 goals this pre-season,” Bassett said.

“His ability to use his body, his great instruction to his teammates — he just does everything right as a forward and he plays a fair bit taller than his actual height.”