CARLTON defender Andrew Walker will have surgery on Tuesday after suffering a broken collarbone in his side's round-five win over Geelong.

Scans on Monday night confirmed Walker's injury, which could sideline him until the second half of the season.

While that seems bad news, Carlton officials would be somewhat relieved that it's not another shoulder problem for the talented 23-year-old, given he had two major operations in the last two years.

With Walker sidelined, the door is open for Jarrad Waite to make his return to the senior side after two weeks in the VFL.

Waite played well for the Northern Bullants on the weekend, however Bret Thornton is unlikely to be considered after missing that game with a slight ankle injury.