Essendon ruckman David Hille and Melbourne captain James McDonald will have their AFL returns delayed after experiencing setbacks in their recoveries from hamstring injuries.

Hille will miss Saturday night's clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring strain at training on Tuesday.

Hille could also miss the Bombers' round-15 game against Melbourne and the clash with West Coast in round 16.

"Unfortunately David suffered a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury today and although it was only minor, the fact that there was a reoccurrence means it is likely to keep him out for another two to three games," Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton told the club's website.

Melbourne expected McDonald to be a chance to return against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, but also faces the prospect of another two games on the sidelines having already missed the past two games.

"James has a significant hamstring tear," Demons football manager Chris Connolly said on Melbourne's website.

"This has slowly progressed over the past few weeks and we're hopeful he'll return to football over the next one to two weeks."

Utility Colin Sylvia, who has missed the past two games because of a toe injury, will train this week and could return against the Saints.

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