Carlton are likely to be without a trio of names for Sunday's must-win clash against Brisbane, with the Blues now in danger of falling out of the top eight.
A 29-point loss to the Crows in South Australia over the weekend was the latest blow to Michael Voss' finals prospects, with a two-game gap now all that separates the Princes park club and the bottom half of the ladder.
Their latest defeat has them in reaching distance of St Kilda, while the Tigers and Bulldogs are circling on the periphery of the finals drop-off.
The news is only set to go from bad to worse for the Blues ahead of their trip to Queensland this week, with Matt Kennedy a confirmed out due to concussion.
A clash with Adelaide's Will Hamill saw the former Giant ruled out of the final minutes of the match, a setback which followed earlier injuries to Corey Durdin (shoulder) and Nic Newman (leg).
Durdin was subbed out of the game in the opening half and replaced by Jack Silvagni, while Newman's night was met with an abrupt ending after suffering a gash to his left knee in the second stanza.
Now, according toย The Herald Sun,ย both Durdin and Newman are likely to join Kennedy on the sidelines for Round 21 in what will be a triple injury blow for the Blues.
George Hewett's possible return from a back complaint could offset the injuries, while Will Hayes will be available after serving his two-game suspension.
The Blues could welcome the return of Jack Martin from a calf injury to fill a void in attack, with the former Sun managing a return through the VFL over the weekend to record 16 touches, 5 tackles and a goal.
Lachie Fogarty (30 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 clearances) and Paddy Dow (22 disposals, 1 goal) pressed their case for the recall in their 14-point loss to Williamstown, while Sam Durdin and Brodie Kemp were also among the Blues' best and could replace Newman.
Sunday's matchup with the Lions could see Carlton fall to eighth with a loss, and stands as a chance for the Tigers, Saints and Bulldogs to strengthen their bids for a spot in September.
The Blues' run won't get any easier either, facing Melbourne in the penultimate round of the year before clashing with arch-rivals Collingwood, which will also come at the MCG.
Two wins from three will see Voss and co. secure a finals berth, however the club can get through off just the sole victory while relying on other results to go their way.
