CARLTON midfielder Adam Cerra will miss the start of the season due to a hamstring strain.

Cerra, 26, suffered the injury during the third quarter of the Blues' match simulation against Brisbane on Wednesday night.

The Blues have now ruled the 26-year-old out of the opening rounds of the campaign.

The club said it would confirm his return to play timeline following its bye in round two.

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Carlton faces Sydney in Opening Round on March 5 and Richmond a week later in round one, before its bye.

Cerra played 19 games for the Blues last year, averaging 24.6 disposals, 4.7 clearances and 4.7 tackles.