George Hewett's season may be over as he battles an ongoing back injury, according to Carlton senior coach Michael Voss.
Hewett hasn't played for the Blues since Round 18 and was listed as a week-to-week proposition, but the club is now conceding the 26-year-old may be sidelined for the remainder of 2022.
Speaking to media on Friday, Voss admitted that Hewett's back injury hadn't "settled" but the club is expecting to know more in the coming week.
"We're hoping that's not the case but we've got to wait to see whether the interventions we've put in place have worked," Voss said.
Hewett has played 15 matches thus far in the season, averaging 28.5 disposals and 6.6 clearances per game.
The Blues are facing a big test against Brisbane in Round 21 as they try to keep their September plans on track, having slipped to seventh spot after a strong start to the season.
With tough matches against Melbourne and Collingwood to come, the heat is on the Blues to ensure their spot in finals with wins over their top eight foes.
The Blues have welcomed back Paddy Dow, Lachie Fogarty, Brodie Kemp, Caleb Marchbank, Jack Martin and Jack Newnes into their extended squad to take on the Lions at the Gabba, with the reduced squad to be confirmed at 5pm (AEST) on Friday.
