Luckless Essendon key position player Scott Gumbleton is to undergo back surgery that will sideline him for most of the 2009 AFL season.

Gumbleton, who has been restricted to just five games in his first two seasons at Windy Hill, will have surgery on a bulging disc in 10 days' time.

Bombers football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the club had consulted with a number of specialists before deciding to book the 20-year-old in for the procedure.

"This sort of injury takes time to heal and he will need to rest for around 12 weeks before resuming training," he said.

"Obviously it is disappointing for Scott and this is a hard thing for him but people have to remember that he is still just 20-years-old and he is a determined young man.

"Jason Winderlich went through a similar procedure last year and he has recovered and will be playing on Sunday so that will provide a good example for Scott to follow."

Hamilton said the bulging disc in Gumbleton's back was impinging on the nerves.

"Scott's back problem has been around for the past 18 months and a number of more conservative approaches to address it have been adopted but haven't produced the desired results," he said.

"As such, our medical staff and Scott have decided that surgery is the best option."

Gumbleton was the No.2 pick in the 2006 national draft.

He has also battled hamstring, knee and cheekbone injuries during his short AFL career.

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