Leading Essendon midfielder Mark McVeigh will be sidelined for up to five matches after an old knee injury flared up.

McVeigh, 27, will have surgery on Thursday to repair damage to the surface lining of his knee cartilage.

It's a bitter blow to the 12th-placed Bombers, who have won their last four matches to surge back into the race for a finals berth.

"He will see knee specialist Julian Feller tomorrow to have surgery to repair the damage," said Essendon team manager David Calthorpe.

"He will be sidelined for up to five weeks which is obviously a big blow for the club as he is such an important player and has been in good form.

"It is an old injury that has flared up over time this season and, unfortunately, it has reached the stage where we need to rectify it."

McVeigh, who will be out of action for 3-5 weeks, has played 174 games for Essendon.

The Bombers play fellow finals aspirants Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP