Adam Rossington and Michael Pepper are both suffering from finger injuries, while Jordan Cox is not yet fit to keep wicket while recovering from an issue carried over from last season
Harry Duke has joined Essex on a two-match loan deal for the upcoming County Championship trips to Durham and Somerset.
The 22-year-old Yorkshire keeper-batter arrives as cover amid a catalogue of injuries at Chelmsford.
Adam Rossington fractured a finger against Nottinghamshire and missed the round three win over Lancashire.
Michael Pepper deputised but he suffered a finger issue of his own during Lancs' second innings.
Jordan Cox is currently unable to keep due to a finger issue carried over from the third edition of The Hundred.
Academy product Ronnie McKenna, who operated as a substitute fielder for England during last year's Ireland Test, took over the gloves as Tom Westley's side secured victory inside three days.
Adam Rossington is missing with an injury suffered against Notts (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Michael Pepper and Jordan Cox are also unable to take the gloves (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Duke, part of England's Under-19 World Cup squad, has played 17 first-class matches and appeared in 27 games in white-ball cricket.
He arrives in time for the four-day game at newly-promoted Durham starting on Friday (April 26) and the trip to Taunton to face Somerset next week.
"We're really happy to have added quality to the squad with the signing of Harry.
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"Obviously, the situation with injuries to our wicketkeepers is unfortunate and not what any of us would have wanted, but it's about how you adapt and overcome challenges like this.
"By signing Harry, we've brought in a young, talented cricketer who possesses the ability to play at the top level, and we're all looking forward to seeing him in an Essex shirt."
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