Superstar Blue Sam Walsh will miss at least the first month of the 2022 AFL season after suffering a syndesmosis injury.
Carlton announced this afternoon Walsh, the newly appointed co-vice captain, suffered the injury during a match simulation.
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The club confirmed he would undergo surgery.
“It is obviously disappointing news for Sam,” Blues football boss Brad Lloyd said.
“He’d completed every session so far over the summer but unfortunately these incidents are a part of footy.
“Sam will throw everything into his rehab and his teammates will continue to do the same for the start of the season.
“Sam leads from the front with his professionalism and commitment every day he walks through the doors of the footy club and there’s no doubt he will take the same approach to his recovery over the coming weeks.
“We’ll continue to assess Sam throughout his recovery, at this stage we expect him to be available to play again after the first month of the season has been complete.”
The 21-year-old Walsh enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, highlighted by finishing fourth on the Brownlow Medal tally with 30 votes.
Walsh, the former No.1 pick, has played 61 games for the club since making his debut in 2019.
He recently signed a four-year extension that will keep him at IKON Park until 2026.