Carlton have downplayed captain Patrick Cripps’ injury concerns after the Blues onballer left the training track on Saturday with a suspected knee injury.
Cripps was heavily strapped on his right knee during the session and was seen limping off the field after a competition.
The Blues have since downplayed their concerns about the Brownlow Medalist, who “just landed awkwardly” and is “fine.”
“He just landed awkwardly at the end of a contest there at training,” said Blues assistant Tim Clarke. “He’s fine.”
“Knowing Crippa, he might have used it to get out of the running.” He’s all right.”
The Blues are in relatively good shape as the new year approaches, with defender Zac Williams hoping to return after missing a year due to an ACL injury.
Williams is set to return to main training in February and could push for a return to the field early in Carlton’s home and away season, which begins with a trip to Brisbane in early March.
Both veteran backman Sam Docherty (foot) and small forward Corey Durdin (shoulder) underwent off-season surgery but are not expected to have a significant impact on the preseason beginning in January.
Carlton will play Geelong and Melbourne in February as part of their pre-season schedule before facing fellow preliminary finalists Brisbane in the Opening Round on Friday, March 8.
