Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning out of home-and-away season after suffering collapsed lung, foot injury
Carlton will need to turn to second ruck option Marc Pittonet to cover for at least the rest of the home-and-away season, with star Tom De Koning going down with a plethora of injuries.
De Koning was dealt two major setbacks during the Blues' 19-point win over North Melbourne on Sunday.
The 25-year-old suffered a collapsed lung during the match, only reporting shortness of breath 30 minutes after the final siren.
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He was then rushed to hospital, where he remained overnight to be treated for his internal injury.
During scans, it was also discovered that De Koning had suffered a fracture in his foot, which has ultimately ended his home-and-away season five weeks early.
Tom De Koning of the Blues competes with Tristan Xerri of the Kangaroos in round 19, 2024. Getty
The club confirmed it will be without De Koning for at least the rest of the season, with hopes he can return to the Blues' side in the first week of finals.
He will have six weeks to recover if he is to return, with the pre-finals bye held the week after round 24.
Carlton football manager Brad Lloyd confirmed the bad news on Monday.
"As tough as the news is for Tom, first and foremost we are pleased he is feeling okay and recovering, following his treatment in hospital overnight," he said in a statement.
Blues ruckman Tom De Koning prepares for a ruck contest against the GWS Giants. via Getty Images
"Tom reported symptoms of being unwell within half an hour of the game finishing, so the priority for us was immediately ensuring he got the treatment he needed and he is now recovering with the appropriate care around him."
As for what De Koning's next steps will be, Lloyd noted that surgery awaits this week for his injured foot.
"Tom will undergo surgery this week to correct his foot injury, which we expect will sideline him for the remainder of the home-and-away season, and we will continue to monitor his recovery over that period of time," he said.
The Blues sit in second on the ladder, facing off against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
