Tom Bellchambers' AFL return remains on hold, with the Essendon ruckman still struggling as he recovers from an ankle injury.
Bellchambers has played three games in the VFL since returning from pre-season surgery, but is still a long way from being match fit.
The 24-year-old's ankle is fine, but his body is struggling to recover from the rigours of rucking after such a long stint on the sidelines.
Essendon coach Mark Thompson couldn't give any indication on Friday of when Bellchambers would be ready for an AFL recall.
"Because you can't forecast how he's going to recover from a game, which is a problem," Thompson said.
"He's pulled up sore. He probably pulled up better the first week than the second week (back), so it's a bit of a concern for us.
"It's not the ankle, it's just general soreness."
Thompson said Bellchambers, who was chased by a handful of clubs last year, would be a walk-up starter in the club's best 22 if he was fully fit.
"He's a very good player and we need him back," he said.
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