Carlton defender Jacob Weitering will miss the next six weeks after suffering an AC joint injury in Sunday's loss to Collingwood.
Weitering suffered the injury during a collision with Magpie Jordan De Goey in the first half of the Round 11 match, subsequently being subbed out of the game.
The Blues confirmed on Monday that Weitering will undergo surgery in the coming days and will face an extended period on the sidelines.
“We had a good indication soon after Jacob experienced the injury that it was a significant one, which has now been confirmed, so the surgery will take place in the coming days so he can commence his rehab as soon as possible,” Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said via the club's website.
“Our defence and the team as a whole has shown some outstanding resolve so far this season. The players have really bought into that mindset, so while losing Jacob for an extended period certainly isn’t ideal, it provides another opportunity to showcase the resilience that has become a trademark of this group.”
Weitering's injury adds to a hampered defensive group at Princes Park, with Mitch McGovern (hamstring), Oscar McDonald (back), Luke Parks (foot) and Caleb Marchbank (knee) currently sidelined.
Star forward Harry McKay (knee) and ruckman Marc Pittonet (knee) are also part of the extensive injury list at Carlton.
The Blue are scheduled for their mid-season bye in Round 12 before facing Essendon the following Friday night.
