Essendon is set to be boosted by the return of rehabilitated forward Michael Hurley this week while veteran Mark McVeigh could make an early comeback.

Hurley was suspend by the club for the first three rounds of the AFL season following an alleged attack on a taxi driver, but has played impressively in the VFL.

Coach Matthew Knights said the Bombers were weighing up Hurley's return for Friday night's clash with West Coast at Subiaco.

"The forward line was a touch better (against Carlton) last week," Knights said on Tuesday.

"We had 30 shots on goal and that was a good result so we'll see how Michael's going.

"Michael missed a fair bit early in the pre-season as well and obviously had a fair bit on his mind so we're going to have to make that decision after we see how he goes today as well.

"He played quite well for Bendigo, he kicked four goals and was in general play and tackled and chased so he performed well.

"But we've got to make sure he's right physically as well."

Knights said the suspension had had a positive effect on the 19-year-old Hurley following his indiscretion late last year.

"The last month's been good for Michael, he's had a good month training-wise," he said.

"And he seems really comfortable in himself. He's been through a challenging period in his life and we look forward to the next time he represents the Essendon footy club because we think he's a fine young player.

"It's just a matter of whether that's this week or the following week."

McVeigh spent several days in hospital with an infected cut on his elbow but was due to be assessed at his first training run after being released.

"Mark hasn't had a training run of significance yet," Knights said. "We'll train this morning and see how he goes.

"It's really an unknown at this stage because he's spent a deal of time in hospital and he needs to get his body moving a bit.

"He's obviously feeling heaps better but we'll see how he goes through the session and see how he goes and make a decision whether he goes to Perth or he needs to get a run under his belt."

Knights said the long flight to Perth would not be an issue for McVeigh.

"It's more how he's feeling within himself after the session today. He'll get a good blowout so we'll quickly find out how his legs are feeling and whether he feels on top of the ground or heavy.

"We'll give him a chance to have a run at it and make a call but we've got to think of what's best for him and the team."

But Knights said forward Angus Monfries would remain on the sidelines at least for another week due to a quad strain.

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