Carlton forward Harry McKay isn't expected to feature on Friday night against the Western Bulldogs in Round 3, reportedly due to personal reasons.
McKay was a late out against Hawthorn last week, with the Blues flagging illness brought down the 2021 Coleman medallist.
However, the spearhead forward has reportedly been given time away from the club after the Hawks clash and did not return to training until Wednesday.
The club released a statement.
"Carlton forward Harry McKay has been ruled out of tomorrow's night game against the Western Bulldogs," the statement said.
"Following Thursday night's game against Hawthorn, the forward was then absent from the Club for a number of days due to personal reasons.
"He returned to the club on Wednesday and was able to train with teammates, however, the 27-year-old's wellbeing remains a focus as he continues to work through a personal matter.
"The club is providing the appropriate support to McKay, with his availability for Round 4 to be determined next week."
The Blues could be without the 27-year-old for the club's crucial and highly anticipated clash against Collingwood in Round 4 as they attempt to avoid a winless start to 2025.
Carlton coach Michael Voss said the club will do its best to support McKay.
"He's doing OK," Voss said on Thursday.
"Obviously, he was dealing with a few things during the week. He took some time away from the club, but obviously, we felt it best that he doesn't play this week. We'll give him the space he needs to be able to work through a few things and not necessarily put a timeframe on him, but hopefully, he'll be back soon.
"He's back at the club, he came back Wednesday. He needed a few days away and used the opportunity to create a little bit of space. Obviously, now we respect his privacy and us as a team, we get on with things."
The Blues struggled against Hawthorn's improved defensive profile, which included Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.
The Bulldogs boast the likes of Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis, while Liam Jones is expected to return after overcoming a hamstring injury.
McKay's absence on Friday night will likely mean that Voss will persist with Jack Silvagni up forward, helping Charlie Curnow with the front-half load.
"We'll just weigh that up," Voss said of Silvagni's position.
"Whether he plays back and we can throw him forward, that's a possibility. We've tried to add that flexibility, as we have with Kemp being able to play forward and also go back."
Brodie Kemp is expected to play a big role against the Bulldogs.
