Star Essendon key forward Joe Daniher has more groin soreness, potentially meaning another massive AFL injury setback for the Bombers.

News of Daniher’s latest injury drama comes a day after Essendon confirmed that reigning club best and fairest champion Devon Smith will miss the rest of the season because of knee surgery.

The Bombers are yet to give any details of Daniher’s latest setback.

One of their most important players is set to miss the annual Dreamtime At The ‘G match on Saturday night against Richmond.

After making the 2017 All-Australian team, Daniher only played seven games last year before his season was ruined because of a groin injury.

A calf muscle injury after two pre-season games delayed his return.

The Bombers were fined $20,000 for making him a late recall to their team for the Good Friday win over North Melbourne.

He has played four of the last five games, kicking seven goals, and was rested a fortnight ago for the narrow loss to Sydney.

Daniher took six marks and sprayed four behinds last Saturday night in the win over Fremantle

The Bombers are struggling for consistency with four wins from nine games in a season where they had high hopes of a finals return.

Another extended layoff for Daniher would be a severe dent to this year’s campaign.

Fellow forwards Shaun McKernan (hamstring and Mitch Brown (wrist) are on the verge of returning from injury.

Daniher, 25, has played 104 games since his 2013 debut.