Struggling Essendon star Joe Daniher will be sidelined for at least a month after scans showed he has early onset osteitis pubis.

With Essendon languishing in 15th place with a 2-5 record, Daniher has become a whipping boy in the media and with fans after kicking eight goals in seven games.

But the club has revealed Daniher was dealing with the debilitating groin issue during the pre-season and suffered setbacks in round two and last week against Hawthorn, prompting his break from full training and playing.