Carlton youngster Corey Durdin will miss the opening weeks of the 2025 season after suffering a syndesmosis injury.
The blow is a frustrating setback for the Blues forward, who recently overcame post-season shoulder surgery after a dislocation in Round 23 last year.
Durdin kicked seven goals in 14 appearances in 2024, including an impressive two goals in a win against GWS in Round 6. His breakout year occurred in 2022 however, as the then-20-year-old was selected for 21 matches in just his second year.
2023 began Durdin's strugglesome run with injury though, featuring just 11 times after suffering a knee injury that required surgery and a late shoulder complaint after a Round 23 return.
The 22-year-old signed a two-year extension until the end of 2026 in May.
After Durdin suffered the sprained ankle in Saturday's trial game against St Kilda, Carlton have officially ruled the injury-plagued forward out for the first fortnight of club action, with a return likely to come between Round 3-5.
"(Durdin) will be on a modified program in the short-term before progression towards full fitness once the season begins," the club said in Wednesday's injury report.
In positive news, Jack Silvagni is fit to make his return from an ACL injury in the Community Series match against GWS. Silvagni suffered the devastating major setback on the eve of the 2024 season and has completed a steady recovery in the past 12 months to reach match fitness for this year.
Sam Walsh, who suffered a hamstring strain earlier this month, is in line to make a Round 1 return, while star forward Charlie Curnow, who underwent surgery to have a screw removed from his knee, is still up in the air to make an appearance in the season opener against Richmond. The club's injury report's recovery timeframe suggests he will return to the side in either Rounds 1 or 2.
Marc Pittonet (calf) is expected to miss the first month of the year, while Alex Cincotta (hip) is likely to miss the first eight weeks.
Carlton's scratch match against the Giants takes place on Friday this week, with the Round 1 encounter on Thursday, March 13.
