JASON Winderlich's return to football has been pushed back, with the quick Bomber likely to miss another month with his hamstring injury.
 
The 27-year-old strained his hamstring in early April and was expected to miss four to six weeks, but has hit complications in his return to full training.
 
Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said although Winderlich had not suffered another strain, he was unable to push himself in speed and contested drills.
 
"It's just progressing a little bit slower than we would have hoped," Hamilton told AFL.com.au.

"When he goes to take the next step up he's hit problems with tightness and those sort of things.
 
"With that he's got to take a little step back to take some steps forward and the fitness and medical staff are working on the strengthening of the muscle."

Essendon remains positive that Winderlich, who has played 98 games for the club, can play a part in their season despite his injury battles.

"Of course he would love to be out there playing, but at the same time he understands that if he can get his body right there's an opportunity to be part of the team in the second half of the year," Hamilton said.
 
"It's really just a case of getting it right and not rushing it."

Winderlich has missed more than a year since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Carlton in round four last year.
 
He played against the Sydney Swans in the NAB Cup, but now appears unlikely to be available for senior selection until after Essendon's bye in round 12.
 
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey