Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning is back at training after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot on his shoulder.
Carlton downplayed the significance of the operation, calling it “minor”, but is yet to confirm whether the 22-year-old will be available for the club’s first game of the season on March 17.
“The club will continue to monitor the 22-year-old closely over the nexxjmtzywt month to assess his availability for the start of the season,” a Carlton statement read.
“De Koning is in good health following the procedure and is being integrated back into training.”
De Koning made his senior debut in 2018 and has since played 22 games for the Blues, 13 of which came last season.
When both De Koning and first choice ruckman Marc Pittonet became unavailable for selection through injury, Carlton was forced to improvise.
Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult and Patrick Cripps were called upon as stand-in ruckmen, but the Blues will be counting on De Koning and Pittonet in their quest to return to the finals for the first time in a decade.
Former first round draft pick Adam Cerra, Lewis Young, George Hewett and new senior coach Michael Voss have all been brought in to help restore the club to its former glory.
