Carlton star midfielder Sam Walsh has suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline the 24-year-old for a month.
Walsh hurt his hamstring at training on Monday, and was sent for scans which confirmed the strain.
The club expect Walsh to begin reintegrating back into training in the next two to three weeks.
Should Walsh fully heal within the expected timeframe, he could be available for Carlton's Community Series clash against GWS. Without any setbacks, the midfielder will be able to suit up against Richmond in Carlton's Thursday night Round 1 clash.
Walsh's pre-season was interrupted last year too, after a back injury on the eve of the home and away year kept the co-vice captain sidelined for the opening six weeks of the season.
The Blues star has suffered hamstring strains in the past before, including a similar low-grade strain in 2023.
Walsh's injury adds to a list of seven Carlton players gradually reintegrating into the larger playing group, with forwards such as Charlie Curnow, Corey Durdin, Blake Acres and Jack Silvagni all expected to reintegrate into the main program this month.
Matt Duffy and Matthew Cottrell are also on similar timelines, while Alex Cincotta aims to be available early in the 2025 home and away season.
