ESSENDON midfielder Ben Howlett will miss the next three weeks and Jason Winderlich four weeks, after scans revealed the full extent of their hamstring injuries.

Howlett left the field during the second quarter of Sunday's four-point loss to Adelaide and is expected to miss at least the next three matches.

Winderlich, who has had hamstring concerns since returning from a knee reconstruction, is expected to be out for at least the next four matches.

Winderlich was celebrating his 100th game before suffering the strain, and had kicked four goals to help put his side in a winning position. 

The pair will sit out the club's important clash with North Melbourne on Sunday, but the Bombers could be set to welcome back Dustin Fletcher, Stewart Crameri and Angus Monfries for the game.