Bombers football manager Dan Richardson told AFL.com.au the club was hopeful Francis will be back sooner rather than later, but a set date had not been locked in.
"Nothing is set in stone, but his program is building to a point at the moment where he's involved in a good percentage of normal training, which is good," Richardson said.
"We're just wanting to get Aaron at a stage that gives him the best opportunity to not only play his best footy, but obviously get some continuity as well.
"It's hard to put a definitive timeline on it, but hopefully if it all keeps progressing OK we're getting closer to introducing him back into some games."
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He has struggled to meet the running and fitness demands required for the top level and had some soft-tissue concerns, but has shown his ability in defence and close to goal with Essendon's VFL side and is a terrific intercept mark.