West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey has been withdrawn from Thursday night’s AFL clash with Essendon in Perth due to a hamstring injury.

Shuey’s withdrawal has paved the way for defender Will Schofield to earn a late recall, with debutant Simon Tunbridge named as the sub.

The Eagles have endured a week from hell on the injury front, with Shannon Hurn (ankle) and Scott Selwood (thumb) ruled out for long periods, while Andrew Embley is suspended.

Essendon enter the match on the back of more off-field distractions after skipper Jobe Watson admitted he believed he took the banned anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year.