Carlton star Tom De Koning is set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering a collapsed lung and a fractured foot, with the Blues ruckman now in hospital following Sunday’s win over North Melbourne.
The Blues faced an anxious wait on the fitness of De Koning and Sam Walsh (back) after a tough encounter against the Roos. Initially thought to be just a foot injury, De Koning’s condition worsened after his foot was stepped on during the first quarter. He limped off, underwent evaluation, and returned to play but later sustained a punctured lung from a hit by Tristan Xerri.
The club has confirmed that De Koning will undergo surgery for his fractured foot, sidelining him for the rest of the home-and-away season. Any return in 2024 will depend on a finals appearance for the Blues.
“As tough as the news is for Tom, first and foremost we are pleased he is feeling okay and recovering, following his treatment in hospital overnight,” Carlton General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said. He added that De Koning reported feeling unwell shortly after the game, prompting immediate medical treatment.
Walsh, dealing with multiple knocks to his back, will also undergo tests ahead of Friday’s game against Port Adelaide. Key forward Harry McKay passed a concussion test after a hit to the nose, wingman Blake Acres was subbed out with minor injuries, and defender Sam Durdin found his return to AFL taxing.
Blues coach Michael Voss expressed confidence in the team’s resilience despite the challenges. Carlton’s return to the winner’s list has them sitting second on the ladder with an eye on a top-two spot. They face only one side (Port Adelaide) inside the eight in their remaining five matches, with contests against Collingwood, Hawthorn, West Coast (away), and St Kilda to come.
