Essendon has backed Joe Daniher’s decision to drink as he recovers from a serious calf injury

Essendon has no problem with star Joe Daniher having a few beers at the weekend as the injury-troubled star continues his comeback from a calf injury.

Joe Daniher has been battling a calf injury. Pic: Michael Klein

Essendon has defended star forward Joe Daniher’s decision to enjoy a few beers while injured on Saturday night.

The full-forward — who has not played since Round 7 last season — was seen drinking with friends at Labour in Vain in Fitzroy as he continues to recover from a significant calf problem.

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The 2017 best-and-fairest winner is closing in on a return, although has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against Brisbane Lions at the MCG.

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The Bombers said they did not have a policy banning players from drinking alcohol while rehabilitating injuries.

Other clubs place strict restrictions around injured players because they believe alcohol has the capacity to increase bleeding.

Some clubs even prohibit players from drinking after suffering a corky. But Essendon has no problem with Daniher and said he completed “all of his required training” across the weekend.

“The club trusts that players will make the best decisions,” the Bombers said.

Daniher, 25, played both pre-season games before the club said he suffered a kick to the calf in a training drill in the lead-up to Round 1. He will join teammates in full training at Tullamarine on Wednesday.

Joe Daniher is on the comeback trail. Pic: Michael Klein

“Joe was progressing strongly in his recovery from an unrelated injury, so this soft-tissue setback is clearly disappointing,” football boss Dan Richardson said at the time.

“However, Joe remains positive and is committed towards his rehabilitation program as he works towards a return to the senior side early in the season.”

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd recently slammed Nick Riewoldt for questioning Daniher’s calf injury “without knowing the facts”.

“I can’t recall anyone ever straining their calf because it was kicked,” Riewoldt said on SEN.

“To say that it’s going to be a six week calf, that’s an extraordinary long calf injury.”

Swingman Cale Hooker will return against the Lions although Daniher’s replacement, Shaun McKernan, will miss 6-8 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Kobe Mutch (hamstring) will miss about three months.