Essendon's ruck crisis has deepened, with luckless Jason Laycock in danger of missing the remainder of 2009 with a chronic foot injury.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights said on Tuesday the club would decide in the next few days whether there was any point in trying to get the talented 24-year-old back on the park this season.

Laycock has not played any senior football in 2009 and complained of further foot soreness during a recent training session.

Essendon's No.1 ruckman David Hille is already out for the season after undergoing a knee reconstruction, while youngster Tom Bellchambers is set to miss four weeks after sustaining a less serious knee injury in Sunday's heavy loss to Geelong.

That leaves Paddy Ryder to carry the Bombers' ruck division almost single-handed, starting with Sunday's clash against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.

"Jason hasn't been able to get a run at it which is most frustrating because he would have been perfect to come in in this situation," said Knights.

"We're just a little bit thin on the ground with ruckmen at the moment and we can't do a lot about it."

The Essendon coaching staff will meet with club doctor Bruce Reid in the next few days to decide the best way forward for Laycock, who has played 58 senior games since making his debut in 2004.

"You've got to be mindful that you've got to make a proper decision for a young player's future, not the short-term fix," said Knights.

I don't think it's in anyone's best interests to pick a player that's not able to put weight through a foot and the modern game won't allow for that in any case.

"We'll sit down later this week and make a final decision on Jason Laycock's future for the 2009 season, which I must admit, to be frank is looking probably not so bright."

Tall defender Cale Hooker could provide some assistance for Ryder in the ruck against the Crows.

Experienced key-position player Scott Lucas is also in the running for a senior recall after being dropped following the round-six loss to Brisbane.

"To be fair to Scott, I wouldn't have thought it was Scott's ideal position either to ruck, coming back after a PCL (knee injury last year)," said Knights.

"You've got to be a bit careful there as well.

"If you're going to bring Scott back into the team you want to give him the opportunity to play in a position that suits him."

Experienced utility Andrew Welsh, who has recovered from a broken leg suffered during the pre-season, impressed Knights with his performance in last weekend's outing for the Bombers' VFL affiliates Bendigo.

But he won't be considered for a senior recall until after the mid-season break.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP