Patrick Cripps is playing hurt.
The Carlton champion is being plagued by a mystery injury that is requiring weekly injections to get him to the start line.
Club sources have confirmed that if it was pre-season rather than in-season then Cripps would be sidelined for a period of 4-6 weeks.
But it’s understood there is no risk of Cripps aggravating the ailment by playing on. Rather, it’s a matter of him playing through discomfort.
Despite Carlton’s winless start to the season, Cripps is said to be in a good space mentally and eager to keep playing despite being less than 100 per cent.
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Patty Cripps is playing hurt. He's plagued at the moment by an injury that requires weekly injections to get him through I'm told.
If it were December or January - he would be sidelined for 4-6 weeks but he is pushing through.