Luckless Carlton defender Caleb Marchbank could be facing more time on the sidelines after failing to see out Saturday's VFL match against Brisbane, who have an injury concern of their own after young midfielder James Tunstill was involved in a heavy collision.
Marchbank came from the field visibly hurt midway through the second term, with no clear indication of the exact ailment for the 27-year-old.
The Blues defender did not return to the field, his afternoon ending with four disposals, one mark and two tackles to his name.
The latest concern comes after an extensive injury history for Marchbank, who has played just 10 games in 2024 across both AFL and VFL levels, with illness and a back injury limiting his availability across his campaign.
The former GWS backman has played just 15 games at the senior level since the back-end of the 2019 season after a neck injury ended his year, while he did not feature in either of the two following seasons due to knee injuries - including an ACL tear in 2021.
Marchbank returned to the field this weekend after a recent bout of illness as Carlton's reserves hosted Brisbane's VFL outfit.
The Lions amassed a 23-point win over the Victorians to momentarily move into the top three on the ladder, notching up their 12th win in 16 games to sit behind Werribee and Footscray only.
Brisbane came away from the result with some concern for youngster James Tunstill, who was assisted from the field after a collision off the ball with an umpire in the final term. Tunstill was left motionless on the Princes Park surface for some time as play was brought to a halt.
The game resumed several minutes later after both Tunstill and the umpire were treated by medical staff, with the final quarter lasting over 35 minutes.
The on-field scenes would suggest Tunstill will undergo further assessment following the match, with the 21-year-old likely to enter mandatory concussion protocols and be sidelined for the required 12-day period.
Tunstill has played has played four games for Brisbane's AFL side this year, his last appearance coming in Round 7 against GWS.