MARK McVeigh will spend a fifth night in hospital as he recovers from an infection caused by a cut in his arm.

Essendon confirmed in a statement on Thursday night that the 29-year-old was expected to be released on Friday.

However, McVeigh is unlikely to attend the Bombers' clash with Carlton at the MCG on Saturday night.

"Mark is feeling much better which is great and he has had plenty of visitors from the club which has kept his spirits up," general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said.

"Naturally he is very disappointed about not being able to play against one of our fiercest rivals this weekend.

"Hopefully he will be back and ready to play in round four."

The midfielder had experienced soreness in his arm during last Sunday's loss to Fremantle at Etihad Stadium and was admitted to hospital that night.