Gun Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh is expected to miss the opening month of the 2023 AFL season after undergoing back surgery.
Walsh underwent a micro-discectomy on Thursday night – a procedure that involves the removal of portions of a bulging disc to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve.
The lengthy recovery period will see Walsh miss the start of Carlton’s home and away campaign, with the club reluctant to set a date for his return to the side.
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Carlton previously announced the 22-year-old would take a break from pre-season training until after the holiday period, insisting his home and away season would not be affected.
However, on Friday the club confirmed it had been consulting with specialists for several months to remedy the issue – agreeing surgery was the best course of action.
“Throughout the last few months, our number one priority has been for Sam’s wellbeing in managing this issue, which is why we explored every possible conservative treatment option,” Carlton’s head of football Brad Lloyd said in a club statement.
“Following this extensive process, it was clear that given all alternative treatments had not progressed his recovery, surgery was the required option to correct the issue.
“Sam is now recovering after undergoing surgery last night and will commence his rehabilitation in the New Year.
While the procedure is minimally invasive, Walsh’s rehabilitation course could take months.
“While Sam’s professionalism and resilience are well-known, we will absolutely give Sam all the time he needs to make a full recovery before he returns to the side during the season.
“Due to the long-term nature of this rehabilitation, it isn’t possible to confirm a set date for his return right now. Once the opening month of the season has been completed though, we expect to be able to provide more clarity on his expected return to play.”
Walsh similarly missed the opening round of the 2022 season after undergoing surgery on a syndesmosis ankle injury in February.
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