MICK Malthouse will not coach Carlton in Friday night's NAB Challenge clash with West Coast in Mandurah, with the three-time premiership coach set to stay in Melbourne as his wife prepares for investigative surgery.

 

Carlton announced on Wednesday Nanette Malthouse would undergo surgery on her abdomen on Friday, saying "the exact nature of the issue remains unclear".

 

Malthouse did not attend the Blues' intra-club game last Friday night, with coaching director Robert Wiley handling coaching duties.

 

Wiley will coach the Blues against the Eagles in Malthouse’s absence.

 

“Mick and Nanette are long-time friends, and together with everyone at the football club, I am thinking of them,” Wiley said.

 

“We will do whatever is necessary to support Mick and his family at this time, and we are looking forward to having him back at the club next week.”