AFL injury news: Carlton defender Sam Docherty set for 4-6 weeks on the sidelines

Carlton has suffered a huge blow with rebounding defender Sam Docherty undergoing surgery on a meniscus tear in his knee.

Sam Docherty is set for 4-6 weeks out

Inspirational Carlton rebounding defender Sam Docherty will miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear in his knee suffered in the Good Friday win over North Melbourne.

It’s a big blow for the Blues as they prepare to fly to Adelaide for the Gather Round opening match against the Crows on Thursday night.

It comes as Carlton heads to the tribunal on Tuesday night in an effort to overturn a one-match ban for key forward Harry McKay for his strike on young Kangaroo Harry Sheezel.

Docherty informed the club’s medical staff in the days after the Kangaroos’ win that he was suffering from knee soreness.

He went in for scans which confirmed the meniscus tear, with the club choosing surgery as the best option to get him back as soon as possible.

Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd said it was a disappointing result for the club, but he was confident the 29-year-old would diligently attack his rehabilitation program.

Sam Docherty is out for 4-6 weeks

“It’s no doubt disappointing for Sam to be sidelined for the coming weeks, given he picked up this season right where he left off last year, in great form,” Lloyd said.

“He’s the ultimate professional though, so once he completes surgery, he’ll launch into his rehab and do everything required to get back to play, which we expect to be in four to six weeks.”

The Blues, who have had three wins and a draw to start the season, have already had significant injury issues this season, with half-back Zac Williams ruled out for the season with an ACL tear and Sam Walsh sidelined throughout the preseason with a back injury.

Walsh looks set to make his long-awaited return against the Crows this week.

Carlton could look to Lachie Plowman and SSP-selection Alex Cincotta as possible defensive replacements this week.

Mitch McGovern copped a corkie last week, but seems likely to play this week.

Docherty will miss matches against Adelaide, St Kilda, West Coast and Brisbane ... and possibly Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, depending on the time frame of his return.

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Originally published as AFL injury news: Carlton defender Sam Docherty set for 4-6 weeks on the sidelines