Townsend was forced from the field early in the Bombers' four-point loss to Greater Western Sydney last Friday night after copping the full force of a Heath Shaw bump.

It will force Townsend to miss his first game this season for the Bombers.

Essendon coach John Worsfold confirmed Townsend won't run out against the Suns at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday night.

"Yes he is ruled out for Wednesday but he pulled up really well," Worsfold said.

"If the game was on the weekend then there would be every chance he'd be available but not for Wednesday."

The clash with the Suns is the start of a tricky schedule for Essendon.

They back up from Friday night's thriller against the Giants and then must prepare for another game against an in-form St Kilda on Sunday night.

Worsfold admits that forces the club to take a precautionary approach to selection.

"We've had a good look at selection for Wednesday night, we've done that with one eye on the weekend as well coming up," he said.

"The players are pulling up pretty well and the shorter games definitely helps that."

Townsend has kicked seven goals, predominantly playing as a forward, in his first season since crossing from Richmond.

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