CARLTON STAR WILL HAVE SURGERY AND WILL MISS THE START OF THE SEASON
After undergoing back surgery, Carlton star Sam Walsh will miss the start of the 2023 season.
Walsh was injured in Round 23 and was allegedly still on restricted duties early in the pre-season.
Overnight, he underwent surgery for a micro-discectomy treatment on his back.
Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd claimed that they would have a clearer idea of when he could return after the first month of the season.
“Throughout the last few months, our number one priority in dealing with this issue has been Sam’s well-being, which is why we investigated every possible conservative solution.”
Lloyd stated on the club’s website, “treatment option.”
“Following this extensive process, it was clear that surgery was the necessary option to correct the issue because all alternative treatments had not progressed his recovery.”
“Sam is recovering from surgery last night and will begin rehabilitation in the new year.”
“While Sam’s professionalism and resilience are well-known, we will absolutely give Sam all the time he needs to recover fully before returning to the team during the season.”
Because of the lengthy nature of his recovery, a specific timetable for his comeback cannot be confirmed at this time. We expect to be able to provide more information on his expected return to play after the first month of the season.”
The injury is a big setback for the Blues as they prepare for a finals campaign in 2023.
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Carlton has suffered a significant blow after losing defender Zac Williams for the AFL season.
Carlton’s chances of reaching the AFL finals have taken a painful early blow, with dashing defender Zac Williams declared out for the season due to a knee injury.
Williams suffered the injury on Friday while training at the Blues’ preseason camp in Queensland, and scans revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The 28-year-old will have surgery in the coming days before beginning his recuperation.
“These incidents are so unfortunate, and we are all feeling for Zac,” said Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd in a club statement.
He could not have done more this preseason to prepare for the season.
“He will undergo surgery to repair his ACL and from there we will put a rehabilitation program in place for him over the next 12 months.”
Williams got a six-year contract with Carlton after leaving GWS, although he has only played 23 games in two seasons.
Last year, a calf issue limited him to just one match after round nine.
“He has had more than his fair share of bad luck with injury, Zac,” Lloyd stated.
“But in that time he has built up a lot of resilience, which he will no doubt tap into as we all support him on his road to recovery from here.”
Williams was set to team up with Adam Saad at half-back this season, with the duo capable of giving plenty of run out of the back half.
Williams’ latest injury jeopardizes the Blues’ chances of breaking a 10-year finals drought, which they just missed out on last season, their first under coach Michael Voss.
Unlucky forward Sam Philp was also injured, requiring surgery after suffering a stress fracture to the second metatarsal in his foot.
Williams and Philp join an injured list that includes talented midfielder Sam Walsh, who underwent back surgery and will miss the first few weeks of the season.
On March 16, Carlton will kick off its season against Richmond at the MCG.
