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ESSENDON'S spluttering season continues to go from bad to worse and the Bombers are likely to have to delve even deeper into their reserves to replace two key players for their must-win clash against Carlton on Sunday.

The Bombers fell to a 23-point loss to Richmond in the annual Dreamtime at the 'G clash on Saturday night and the defeat was further soured with a pair of influential players picking up soft-tissue injuries.

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Experienced forward Jake Stringer and off-season recruit Dylan Shiel both hurt their hamstrings in the loss and are likely to require some time on the sidelines.

The Bombers have already lost Joe Daniher (groin) and Devon Smith (knee) for the season and Essendon coach John Worsfold remains hopeful that Stringer and Shiel will not be out for too long.

"They don't seem to be too bad, but I'm no expert in that area," Worsfold said of the injuries after the loss.

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A hamstring injury could also cost Port Adelaide veteran Tom Rockliff the chance to take on St Kilda in the annual match in China on Sunday.

Rockliff hurt his hamstring during the final quarter of the Power's 31-point loss to the Hawks on Saturday and was seen icing the affected area during the final term after attempting to come back on.

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The Saints have no fresh injury concerns, although in-form midfielder Luke Dunstan and enigmatic forward Ben Long could miss the China contest after they were reported during the second half of a fiery clash against Carlton on Sunday.

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In other injury news:

  • The Crows lost Tom Lynch to a hamstring complaint prior to their loss to the Eagles, but are hopeful the veteran forward will be fit to tackle the Demons in Darwin on Saturday night. Experienced utility David Mackay (illness) will be monitored during the week.
  • Melbourne duo Christian Salem (concussion) and Harrison Petty (knee) will be monitored during the week, while the Demons will be hoping the ankle injury Jake Lever picked up in the VFL on Sunday is not serious.
  • Richmond forward Tom Lynch picked up a corkie against Essendon on Saturday night, but coach Damien Hardwick said the spearhead should be fine to take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Friday night. 
  • There are concerns for Collingwood veteran Daniel Wells following his latest setback against the Swans on Friday night. The former Roo hurt his knee during the third term of the SCG clash and the injury could see the 34-year-old miss the remainder of the season.
  • Underrated midfielder Cameron Guthrie (hip) is expected to be fit for Geelong's round 11 clash against Sydney, although the Cats will be sweating on the availability of veteran Gary Ablett after a clash with Anthony Miles that is sure to be scrutinised closely by the MRO.
  • In-form Sydney pair Josh Kennedy (knee) and George Hewett (concussion) hurt themselves against the Magpies on Friday night and are in some doubt for the Swans' clash against the Cats on Saturday evening.
  • Carlton forward Mitch McGovern rolled his ankle against the Saints on Sunday and will be closely monitored ahead of the Blues' match against the Bombers next weekend.
  • Suns youngster Ben Ainsworth could be set for a stint on the sidelines after he hurt his ankle early against the Cats on Saturday night. The 21-year-old attempted to return to the field after half-time but cut a forlorn figure on the bench late in the match.
  • The Hawks are hopeful that the knee injury Jack Scrimshaw picked up against the Power isn't too serious. Young key forward Mitch Lewis (concussion) will be monitored ahead of the Hawks' round 11 match against the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday night, after he was withdrawn prior to the Port Adelaide match.