Carlton have been dealt a massive blow with promising youngster Matt Carroll rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Blues’ victory over Port Adelaide.
The Blues confirmed the news on Sunday, putting a dampener on their 34-point win over the Power the night before in Adelaide.
The injury comes a week after Carroll’s career-best game against the Western Bulldogs, where he booted three goals from the wing in his 27th match.
Carroll’s left knee buckled while chasing a loose ball early in the first quarter. He immediately grabbed the back of his knee then hobbled to the bench on the other side of the ground.
Carroll is the second Blue to suffer an ACL injury after small forward Jesse Motlop, who was injured in the preseason, while developing defender Harry O’Farrell is on the recovery trail from one suffered late last year. Gun youngster Jagga Smith also underwent a knee reconstruction last year.
Carroll, 20, will be placed on the Blues’ inactive list, giving the club a pick in the upcoming mid-season draft.
“Matt had been in excellent form this season and was coming off a strong performance the week prior, so clearly this is a disappointing setback for him,” Carlton football boss Chris Davies said.
“While we’re all disappointed for Matt, we know how resilient he is, which will serve him well throughout his recovery.
“Our priority will be supporting Matt, with the club and its medical team guiding him through every stage of his rehabilitation.”
Carroll’s injury creates an opening for veteran Blake Acres to return to the senior team this week for his first game of the season. Acres, who has been in excellent form in the seconds, was pulled out of the Blues’ VFL match on Sunday.
