Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell is expected to miss this Saturday’s game against Gold Coast after fracturing his hand at training today.

Heppell underwent surgery after the incident and Bombers club doctor Bruce Reid said his recovery period would be minimal.

“Dyson sustained a fracture in his hand during training this morning but we were extremely fortunate that Greg Hoy was available to operate on his hand within the hour,” Reid said.

“The surgery was a success, Dyson had a plate and screws inserted into his hand and we’re confident his recovery time will be minimal.”