CARLTON has been dealt a big blow with ruckman Matthew Kreuzer to miss the opening rounds of the season following a setback to his troublesome foot.
Kreuzer suffered discomfort at training last week and scans confirmed a hairline fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
The 25-year-old will be in a moonboot for four-to-six weeks before he is evaluated further.
The injury is the latest setback for the former No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick, whose 2014 campaign was derailed by a fracture in the same foot.
Kreuzer went under the knife twice for the injury, starting when he had a screw inserted in late 2013.
The injury flared up last April after Carlton's round one loss to Port Adelaide and the 200cm big man had the screw removed and a plate inserted.
Despite this latest setback, Blues head of football Andrew McKay said the club remained confident Kreuzer would play a big role in the upcoming season.
"It's exceptionally disappointing for Matthew given all the hard work he has put in to get his body back to peak shape, but we're confident he will play the majority of the season," McKay said.
Kreuzer has failed to play a full season since he featured in 23 matches in 2009, his second season.
He has since only put together seasons of 13, 12, 20, 17 and one match last year.
