Carlton defender  Sam Docherty had foot surgery after the Blues’ 2023 season, and the modest treatment is anticipated to keep the experienced ball-winner out of training until the new year.

The Blues issued an update on a quartet of players who are ailing, revealing Docherty has undergone surgery to treat a nagging foot problem.

While the 29-year-old’s pre-season plans are likely to be delayed, the club is sure Docherty will be back on track by January.

Meanwhile, Carlton is hoping to have small forward Corey Durdin back in full training by early 2024 after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Durdin is anticipated to resume skills training at the start of the preseason before increasing his workloads in January.

Due to injuries, the Blues goalsneak only played one game after Round 11, returning for the club’s last home and away game of the season in August.

Meanwhile, Zac Williams, who suffered an ACL injury before to the 2023 season, is scheduled to return to skills-based training early next year.

Due to a knee injury, the former Giant missed the Blues’ whole finals campaign, but he hopes to return to the field at the start of next season.

Finally, ruckman Alex Mirkov will be evaluated in the new year after undergoing heart surgery in June.

Mirkov’s workload will be gradually reduced in the coming months following a prolonged time of rest and recovery.