Essendon defender Conor McKenna has returned home to Ireland, but is expected to be back with the club before the Marsh Community Series.
AFL Media suggest the speedster is dealing with homesickness and has traveled to Ireland on multiple occasions in recent months.
The Bombers in a statement have said they will continue to support McKenna and have been in open dialogue with the 23-year-old.
“We have been in lengthy discussions with Conor over recent weeks and we are completely supportive of him returning home to be with his family at this time,” Essendon general manager Dan Richardson told the club’s website.
“We remain in constant communication with both Conor and his family and we will continue to provide our support during this period.”
McKenna returned home for his brother’s wedding in the middle of last year, missing Essendon’s clash with Gold Coast.
Fox Footy's Tom Morris believes McKenna has returned to Ireland indefinitey.