Carlton midfielder Cooper Lord has been discharged from hospital after a four-night stay.
The Blues' 2024 mid-season draft pick up missed the weekend's capitulation against the Demons through illness, which has since been revealed as a staph infection.
The Sandringham Dragons product underwent surgery, and is understood to be feeling better, but will miss the annual Good Friday clash with North Melbourne as he recovers. His availability for Gather Round will be assessed in the days following what has become a must-win clash with the rebuilding Roos, as pressure mounts on senior coach, Michael Voss.
Staph infections can become life-threatening, if they enter the bloodstream as opposed to staying localised on the skin. The highly contagious infection can be caused by contact with another infected person, or through the sharing of towels, or gym equipment.
Lord emerged as a pivotal part of the Blues' midfield rotation last season, after initially struggling upon his drafting, and was rewarded handsomely. Decision makers at Ikon Park extended his contract through to the conclusion of the 2029 season.
Carlton will be hoping his emergence continues when he rejoins the senior side, after a torrid start to a campaign that was already earmarked as one that would influence whether or not Michael Voss would survive as head coach of the storied club.
