Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning has undergone surgery to remove a blood clot from his shoulder, with the procedure expected to not drastically hinder his preparations for the 2022 season.
The Blues confirmed on Friday that the 22-year-old will continue to be monitored after going under the knife, with De Koning set to be eased back into full training.
De Koning has returned to Carlton's skills program and will be part of a modified program this pre-season, however will remain in the frame for selection for his side's Round 1 clash against Richmond on Thursday, March 17.
The ruck/forward utility will be a key figure of the Blues' finals hopes this season, working in tandem with first-string ruckman Marc Pittonet.
The Blues will be preparing for their two pre-season practice matches against the Demons and Saints, with the latter fixture to take place later this month.
De Koning joins Caleb Marchbank and David Cunningham in being under an injury cloud ahead of the season, which frames as a critical campaign for the Blues after missing the top eight in 2021.
The Mt Martha product has played 22 games for the Blues since making his debut in 2018, featuring in 13 games at AFL level last season.
