Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet could be ruled out of Carlton's Friday night blockbuster clash with Sydney after undergoing surgery on his finger.
7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary reported the news on Saturday night, revealing โhe is now in serious doubt for next week's game against Sydney.โ
The injury adds to Carlton's Thursday night injury toll, star mid Adam Cerra suffering yet a hamstring strain fresh off his recent recovery and leaving the Blues midfield undermanned for an important clash against a fellow flag fancy.
Pittonet's finger was treated during the second half of their one-point win over Melbourne, but played out the remainder of the match, finishing with 14 disposals, 21 hit-outs and a goal.
It's a disappointing blow for the 27-year-old who has been in arguably career-best form, averaging 17 disposals and eight clearances from rounds 6-8.
It leaves Michael Voss and the selectors with some decisions to make, but the injury could make room for versatile tall Tom De Koning to play a full-time ruck role in his absence.
With no other back-up knocking on the door of selection, De Koning will have to be ready for the challenge of facing a similar ground-level threat in Brodie Grundy at the SCG on Friday.
A win for the Blues may shoot them into the top four as they look to hold firm and continue their winning ways in a tough lead-up to their Round 14 bye.
