Carlton have been hit by the news Oscar McDonald has been ruled out for the rest of the 2022 AFL campaign as he struggles with a back injury.
The Blues have made a great start to the new season and are priced at 21/50 to play finals but they will have to do it without McDonald who will sit the campaign out.
Back issues
The defender has not made an appearance since round two when he was subbed out at half-time after suffering from back spasms. It was later revealed that the player was suffering from a stress fracture in his back.
Carlton have done all they can to try and get the player back to fitness. They have not been able to do that so have taken the decision to rule him out for the rest of the season.
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It now means they will be able to take their time with the process and get him fully fit for the start of the 2023 season.
All options explored
"Oscar worked as hard as anyone over the summer to earn a spot in our 22 for the start of the season, that is what makes this news even more disappointing," Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said.
"For nearly two months we explored every possible avenue available to get Oscar up and going however it wasn't to be. We will now put our focus in making sure Oscar is able to rehabilitate the injury over the remainder of the season."
The news is yet another setback for the Blues, who already have Marc Pittonet, Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay on the treatment table.
