Carlton defender Liam Stocker is in doubt to be available for Round 1 after suffering a medium-grade syndesmosis injury.
The Blues have confirmed he will undergo surgery and be sidelined for the next 12 weeks.
Stocker took to Discord feed on Thursday night to reveal the injury.
“I’ll be out three (to) four months so I might miss Round 1, but I’ll be fully recovered which is the main thing,” he wrote.
“Haha three (to) four (months) is a recommendation. I’ll get back in 10 weeks.
“10 weeks means I’m round 1 bro. 14 weeks is the max I can go and be fit for round 1. I’m just lucky I’m pretty match fit at the moment because I’m only off my legs for four weeks. Then back into a month block of running.”
Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said they will monitor his rehabilitation over the next few months.
”It’s disappointing news for Liam but these experiences are part of footy and we know with his tremendous work ethic, he will throw everything into his rehabilitation over this next period,” Lloyd said.
“Our AFL side is about to commence the three-week break over Christmas, so that will give Liam time to start his recovery from surgery.
“We’ll assess his progress over the next few months and will have a clearer indication on when he will be available to play as we get close to the start of the season.”
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