Carlton's star recruit Dale Thomas has been pulled out of Saturday's AFL pre-season game, but the Blues say it's not because of his troublesome ankle.
Carlton face North Melbourne in Ballarat and Thomas will be rested because of a chest infection, according to football operations manager Andrew McKay.
The 2011 All-Australian played only five games for Collingwood last season before signing a four-year deal with arch-rivals Carlton.
"Dale Thomas has been a late withdrawal from tomorrow's game which is really unfortunate," McKay told the club's website on Friday.
"No need for alarm. It has nothing to do with his ankle or his foot.
"It's a chest infection which has taken us a little bit by surprise."
McKay says the illness was a minor one and the 26-year-old veteran of 157 games is expected to play in Carlton's pre-season clash with Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on February 24.
