Carlton’s Jarrod Pickett suffers ruptured patella tendon after training mishap

Carlton has suffered another pre-season injury blow with scans confirming young forward Jarrod Pickett needs knee surgery after he was hurt in the Blues’ final training session before a Christmas break.

Jarrod Pickett is helped by a Blues trainer and coach Brendon Bolton after suffering a knee injury at training. Picture: Getty

Carlton has been dealt another serious injury blow with scans revealing forward Jarrod Pickett has ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee.

Pickett, 22, was sent for scans after he was stretchered from the field at training on Thursday morning.

He will undergo surgery on Friday and while the Blues have not put a timeline on his return, a similar freak injury kept Jaeger O’Meara out of football for two seasons.

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The tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone.

The Blues were training at Ikon Park in what is their last session before taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period.

Pickett was injured in a collision during the session, with Blues medical staff and trainers rushing to his aid before he was taken from the field on a buggy.

Jarrod Pickett holds his knee after a collision at Carlton training.

Jarrod Pickett is helped by a Blues trainer and coach Brendon Bolton after suffering a knee injury at training. Picture: Getty

“Our whole club feels for Jarrod who has worked so hard to get himself back into our AFL program over the last month,” Blues head of football Brad Lloyd said.

“While the news is disappointing, as a club we will be there with Jarrod through every stage of his recovery and ensure he gets back out on the field in navy blue.

“Our playing group is very resilient and take every challenge in their stride. This challenge now presents an opportunity for a younger player to step up and seize their opportunity.”

Jarrod Pickett is helped on to a buggy after hurting his knee.

Jarrod Pickett (centre) in pain as he leaves the field.

Pickett was carted off the field on a buggy. Picture: Getty

Speaking after training, Carlton forward Harry McKay said the playing group was hoping for good news.

“I didn’t see exactly what happened but all I know is he’s going to go off and get scans so fingers crossed he’ll be all right but it’s not ideal,” McKay said.

Carlton has already been dealt a serious injury blow this pre-season, with co-captain Sam Docherty suffering his second anterior cruciate ligament tear in 12 months.

The gun halfback has undergone a full knee reconstruction and will miss the 2019 season.

Pickett, who missed a large chunk of the 2018 season with a broken wrist, has played 17 career games after originally being recruited by Greater Western Sydney with pick No.4 in the 2014 national draft.

He was traded to Carlton at the end of 2016.

Originally published as Carlton’s Jarrod Pickett suffers ruptured patella tendon after training mishap