Carlton skipper's AFL return put on hold

Carlton skipper Marc Murphy is still three weeks away from an AFL return, with his ankle injury healing slower than expected.

Murphy strained ligaments in his right ankle early in the Blues' round-10 upset win over Geelong and it was initially hoped he would miss two to three weeks.

But the club confirmed this week that he will miss another three games, which would put him the frame to return in round 18 against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.