JOE DANIHER will have surgery on the shoulder injury that kept him out of Essendon's win over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
The 20-year-old will go under the knife this week to repair his collar bone, but is still only expected to miss three weeks and be fit for Essendon's tilt at the finals.
Club doctor Bruce Reid said operation would boost the young key forward's rehabilitation.
"Joe will have a plate and screws inserted to strengthen his clavicle," Reid told the Essendon website.
“It's not invasive surgery and the positive news is it will shorten Joe's recovery period. I would say Joe could be back within three weeks.”
Daniher had played every game for the club this season, his second in the AFL, before the injury.
He was leading the club's goalkicking with 19 majors but was leapfrogged by teammate Jake Carlisle, who booted eight in a match-winning display on Sunday. Carlisle has kicked 22 goals for the year.
The Bombers have their bye this weekend before facing the Sydney Swans in round 19 at the SCG.
