Carlton's hopes of improving their on-field fortunes this AFL season have been hit by a major injury to Bryce Gibbs, who won't play again in 2015.
Gibbs, the club's best-and-fairest winner last year, tore his left pectoral muscle on Friday night in the third quarter against Richmond.
While the midfielder played on against the Tigers, scans revealed the injury to be serious enough to require surgery.
Gibbs, 26, was set to go under the knife on Monday for a procedure, making a comeback impossible this season under caretaker coach John Barker.
Carlton football boss Andrew McKay said the decision to send Gibbs for surgery was made after considering all of the options.
"If we let Bryce's injury heal naturally, he would have still been out for up to eight weeks and could have risked further damage," McKay told the club's website.
"By having the procedure now, it will ensure Bryce is fully recovered and ready to go for the start of the pre-season.
"Obviously he is clearly disappointed that his season is over, but what this does do is give some of our younger players an opportunity to put their hand up for selection."
McKay also revealed Dennis Armfield would need surgery after breaking his arm in the same match and was expected to miss a month of football.
Blues vice-captain Michael Jamison was cleared of further damage after suffering concussion in the 30-point loss to the Tigers.
The Blues sit 16th on the AFL ladder with just three wins from 14 games.
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