West Coast will be without their two best forwards against Essendon on Thursday night after Josh Kennedy joined Jack Darling on the club’s injury list.

Kennedy suffered a hairline fracture to his right leg in last week’s loss to Sydney, and hasn’t been able to recover in time to face the Bombers.

Coach Adam Simpson is confident the injury isn’t serious, predicting Kennedy will miss between one to three weeks.

But Kennedy’s absence against the Bombers at Optus Stadium will leave a major void, especially with Darling (ankle) still sidelined.

Kennedy (29 goals) and Darling (28) have kicked the bulk of West Coast’s goals this season.

Simpson said the team’s forward line will lean heavily on the leadership of Mark LeCras given that both Kennedy and Darling are missing.

Kennedy’s injury could open the door for former Cat Nathan Vardy to return to the side.

Vardy was cut down by a pre-season groin injury, but is now fit and could slot into the forward line.

Fraser McInnes, Oscar Allen, and Brendon Ah Chee are other options to come into the side.

Simpson is also considering swinging Jeremy McGovern forward, or giving ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett more time in attack.

“We’ve got to get on with life without JK or Jack Darling,” Simpson said.

“We’ll get a glimpse of the future this weekend.

“Someone mentioned it was 2011 when we didn’t have at least one of them (playing).

“It’s going to be a challenge for us.

“Replacing Kennedy and Darling is difficult, but we’ve got to find a way.”

Simpson doesn’t want Eagles fans to worry too much about Kennedy’s injury.

“I think it was just a collision injury. No twists or turning,” Simpson said.

“It was a massive corky really, and there just happens to be a tiny hairline fracture in the bone in the side of the leg

“He might be right for next week, it’s that small.”

West Coast’s 10-game winning streak was brought to a half by Sydney last week, but they will start as hot favourites against the Bombers (5-7).