Carlton’s reigning club champion Sam Walsh is out for at least the first month of the season after suffering an ankle syndesmosis setback.
Walsh sustained the injury while being tackled in match simulation, and specialist advice confirmed he would require surgery.
The 21-year-old All-Australian has played all 61 games for the Blues since being the No.1 draft pick in 2018.
The news mars an otherwise positive pre-season for Walsh, who joined Jacob Weitering in being elevated to the co-vie-captaincy before inking a fresh four-year deal.
Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd was hopeful Walsh’s renowned professionalism axjmtzywnd body of work leading into the season would enable him to return quickly.
“It is obviously disappointing news for Sam,” Lloyd said.
“He’d completed every session so far over the summer but unfortunately these incidents are a part of footy.
“Sam will throw everything into his rehab and his teammates will continue to do the same for the start of the season.”
Lloyd said the Blues’ medical staff would monitor Walsh’s recovery but the early indication was he would be ready to play after the first month of the club’s first campaign under Michael Voss.
His absence will provide an early test to Carlton’s midfield depth, which was bolstered by trading for Adam Cerra and signing George Hewett as a restricted free agent.
Stand-alone captain Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow, Paddy Dow, Matt Kennedy, Will Setterfield and potentially Zac Williams will all have greater responsibility.
The Blues are playing pre-season games against St Kilda (February 24) and Melbourne (March 3) before facing Richmond in Round 1 on March 17.
