Another Injury Blow At Carlton With Harry McKay In Doubt For Round One

The injury news just keeps going from bad to worse at Carlton.

Just a week after it was confirmed by the club that young star Sam Walsh will miss the opening games of the season with a syndesmosis injury, the Blues have announced that Harry McKay is in 'significant doubt' for round one in 23 days' time.

"(Harry) McKay has some joint soreness in his foot that is currently being managed," the club said in a statement.

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The reigning Coleman Medal winner didn't feature in last Friday's intraclub game and won't suit up against St. Kilda in a practice match on Thursday.

"While he's a chance to play against Melbourne (in the AAMI Community Series) next Thursday, the main focus is being ready for round one."

McKay is coming off a career-best season, with the Blues key target inside 50 kicking 58 goals from 19 games in 2021 to win his first Coleman Medal and is expected to form a dynamic partnership with the returning Charlie Curnow under new coach Michael Voss.

While the positive news of a potential early season return for former skipper Sam Docherty is pleasing, the potential of being without both McKay and Walsh for their opening month of the season is a daunting one for Carlton given they face Richmond, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Gold Coast and Port Adelaide in their first five games.

McKay and Walsh are not the only fresh injury concerns for the Blues with young ruckman Tom De Koning recently undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his shoulder while defender Liam Stocker is considered a 50-50 chance for round one as he recovers from a syndesmosis injury.

The Blues, who open their season against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday March 17, were already without Josh Honey, Caleb Marchbank and David Cunningham as the trio recover from long-term knee injuries.

The AFL season returns from next Thursday with the AAMI Community Series kicking off before the 2022 Premiership season begins on Wednesday March 16 with the Grand Final rematch between reigning premier Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.