David Cuningham’s latest injury setback has seen him avoid surgery, while Mitch McGovern has overcome a back issue.
Cuningham, who hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in the first half of 2021 and endured a string of injury setbacks over the years, last month dislocated his shoulder while wrestling a teammate in the gym.
The Blues have decided against putting Cuningham under the knife – for now – with the speedy utility aiming to strengthen the joint before a reassessment in the next couple of weeks.
McGovern missed Carlton’s final practice match against Sydney due to the birth of his son, but played in a VFL practice match having shrugged off a back injury.
But given the intercept defender has missed both AFL practice matches, his selection in the senior side for the meeting with the Tigers may be debated.
As the clock ticks down to Carlton’s season-opening clash against Richmond on March 16, the Sam Walsh murmurs of full training sessions have been like Elvis sightings.
But the star midfielder is still on light duties, with the target of re-joining main training in the opening weeks of the season.
The Blues’ initial forecast for the star midfielder was that he would miss the first month of the season following back surgery.
