The impending return of star defender Jeremy McGovern has been tempered by the loss of midfielder Dom Sheed, potentially for the rest of the season, ahead of Saturday’s clash against Essendon.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson confirmed on Thursday that McGovern (concussion protocols) would play his first game since round 18, with dual Club Champion Elliot Yeo into the 22 after starting as the sub for the drought-breaking win over North Melbourne.

However, prolific midfielder Sheed will miss at least “a week or two” with a foot concern.

“We’ll lose Dom for possibly the season, he’s got a bit of a foot issue,” Simpson said.

“He’s got a hotspot there. Whether he gets back this year, he’s trying really hard to play and support.

“He’ll have a week or two off and we’ll assess it, but there’s four weeks left. He’s coming off no games last year and syndesmosis, so I’m not surprised there’s issues there.

“We need to look after him.”

Yeo is an option to pinch-hit in midfield to help cover Sheed’s absence, while skipper Luke Shuey will aim to be back for the RAC Derby in round 22 after a “very, very minor” hamstring issue.

The Eagles are focusing on starting faster against Essendon after some terrible first-quarter efforts on the road recently.

“We’re working on it, but the more attention you give it the more possibly you overthink it,” Simpson said.

“I thought last (away game) against Carlton some of our senior players were trying too hard. We gave away seven free kicks in the first quarter, so there’s this overstimulated commitment, which sometimes brings free kicks.

“We’re aware of it. We’ve got some real basic goals we’re chasing. They don’t change quarter-to-quarter but we just seem to perform better after quarter-time.

“We want to start well this week, but we need to be really clear what we’re going after.”