ESSENDON looks to have dodged a major injury blow after scans cleared Jake Stringer of structural damage to his lower right leg against Hawthorn. 

However, the star forward is still suffering pain in the area and his return to playing remains unclear. 

DONS DOWN HAWKS Full match coverage and stats

Stringer limped from the field in the third quarter after his right leg and ankle were tangled in a marking contest during the stirring win over the Hawks. 

"We're pleased the scans have revealed no fractures to the bone or damage to the ankle area," Essendon general manager of football Dan Richardson said.

"Jake is still very sore today, and we're hopeful his pain in the lower leg area settles over the coming days.

"At the moment it is difficult to put a time frame on his playing availability, so while it is unlikely he will play, we will closely monitor Jake throughout the week before we make an informed decision on our team selection for Thursday's clash."