Carlton star Sam Docherty is out for weeks after suffering a knee injury

A Carlton star will be sidelined for weeks following knee surgery as the Crows prepare a big name for a Thursday night return.

Carlton defender Sam Docherty could miss up to six weeks after tearing his meniscus against North Melbourne on Good Friday. Picture: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

Carlton defender Sam Docherty could be sidelined for up to six weeks after scans revealed he tore his meniscus against North Melbourne on Friday.

Just as the Blues prepare to welcome back Sam Walsh for their Gather Round opening match against Adelaide on Thursday night, they have been rocked by the injury to Docherty, who underwent surgery on Tuesday and is set to miss a run of important games including St Kilda in round 6 and Brisbane in round 8.

Docherty reported knee soreness in the aftermath of Carlton’s 23-point win over North Melbourne, in which he gathered 19 disposals in 89 per cent game time.

The in-form Crows on their home ground now loom as a daunting task for the Blues, who are challenging a one-match ban for spearhead Harry McKay for a high hit on the Kangaroos’ Harry Sheezel.

Sam Docherty could miss six games in a crucial stretch for the Blues which includes matches against St Kilda, Brisbane and Collingwood. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

The tribunal will meet from 5pm Tuesday to decide McKay’s fate ahead of the Gather Round opener.

Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said it was a frustrating setback for Docherty after he carried his consistency from 2022 into the new season.

“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.”

Docherty’s absence will force Carlton to reshuffle its side against Adelaide, with either returning wingman Blake Acres or midfielders Adam Cerra and Ollie Hollands among the lead candidates to be used off halfback as Walsh returns to the Blues’ engine room.

Matt Kennedy and Jack Martin are also expected to push for selection this week as the pair recover from calf injuries.

Adelaide expects hulking forward Darcy Fogarty to get through training this week and be available for Thursday night’s clash with Carlton. Picture: Mark Brake / Getty Images

Powerful Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty will be tested ahead of Thursday’s clash, with Adelaide high performance boss Darren Burgess pleased by the 23-year-old’s progress.

“Darcy completed everything we asked of him on Monday, so assuming he gets through Wednesday without any issues then he will be available for selection,” Burgess said.

“He had a week pretty much off his legs and then began a running program, firstly straight line then change of direction, and his final step was some hard leads and kicking which he did on Monday.

“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and in the right amount of time.”

Key defender Josh Worrell, who enjoyed a breakout game in Adelaide’s surprise win over the Blues late last season, has returned to full training and will be available for selection in round 6.

“He’s saying that he’s available for Thursday night, we’re the ones who are holding him back, so he’s feeling good and his body in a great spot,” Burgess said.