Big Blue blow: Star midfielder to miss start of season

The Blues will be without gun midfielder Sam Walsh to begin the 2024 campaign

CARLTON has ruled out its midfield star Sam Walsh for at least the next three weeks as he continues his recovery from an ongoing back injury.

Walsh has been sidelined from training with the main group for much of the last month after tweaking a recurring back problem in February, with the Blues now ruling out the star onballer for their opening two fixtures against Brisbane and Richmond.

>> Win $25,000 in the official AFL Tipping comp! Sign up NOW

Carlton has a bye in round two, due to playing in Opening Round, with the club saying a timeframe for Walsh’s return remains “indefinite” but claiming it will reassess his availability during that 15-day break.

Walsh missed the first four games of last season, and the final match of Carlton’s 2022 campaign, due to a previous back injury.

The Blues will also be without small forward Jesse Motlop for Friday night’s clash with the Lions, after he failed to recover in time from a jarred toe injury he sustained in a practice match against the Demons last Wednesday night.

It should put recruit Orazio Fantasia in line for a club debut, though Carlton is hopeful fellow small forwards Corey Durdin (hamstring) and Matt Owies (calf) will also be fit despite not featuring in either of the side’s pre-season matches.