Carlton have revealed star Sam Walsh is facing over a month on the sidelines after the club discovered a fresh foot injury concern.
The Blues confirmed on Saturday morning that Walsh will miss 5-6 weeks after a 'hot spot' was detected in his foot.
Walsh reported the issue earlier this week and underwent further assessment, with scans confirming a brutal blow for the Blues and their midfielder.
โSam was unable to complete yesterday's main training session after reporting soreness in his foot, with further examination confirming a hot spot in his foot,โ Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said in a club update.
โThis means Sam will need a period of recovery to allow his foot to settle before his he able to return to play.
โGiven he does not require surgery, Sam will aim to return to the side in just over a month.โ
The timeline of the injury means Walsh is likely to return with just over a month left in the home and away season.
The injury has also forced Carlton into a squad change for Sunday's clash with West Coast, with Walsh replaced by wingman Jaxon Binns in Michael Voss' 23-player lineup.
Walsh had played all 12 games so far this season under Voss, eyeing his first full season for the Blues since 2021.
The former No.1 pick hasn't played more than 20 games in a single year since his third campaign, with a back issue hampering his two previous seasons.
Walsh dealt with a hamstring injury in the lead-up to the start of this season but recovered in time for the Blues' season opener against Richmond in March.
Walsh joins Matt Cottrell (foot) and Lachie Cowan (hamstring) on the sidelines at Princes Park, while Jagga Smith (knee), Brodie Kemp (Achilles) and Nic Newman (knee) have been ruled out for the season.
