Carlton coach David Teague has claimed he is not aware of a reported back fracture to captain Patrick Cripps.
Teague today told reporters "he's fine" and "doesn't have a fractured back" after it was reported this morning by The Age that the gun midfielder had been playing through injury.
Cripps has been going through an indifferent spell of form, having been held under 25 disposals in four games this year already.
Despite the unwelcoming nature of this morning's news, it has been said that Cripps is not doing any further damage by playing through the injury.
Additionally, Teague added that Cripps has been "doing all of the training" and will "complete everything in training today" ahead of this Sunday's massive clash with Melbourne.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The news comes amid speculation of Cripps leaving Carlton at season's end for his home state of Western Australia.
The 26-year-old has played in all eight Blues games this season, with the club insisting there is no reason to rest their skipper.
Teague also confirmed that Cripps would be available for the match-up against the unbeaten Demons.
