Carlton coach Michael Voss expressed relief as speculation regarding Sam Walsh’s health can finally cease, with the star midfielder gearing up for his return to the red-hot Blues.
The former top draft pick is anticipated to make his season debut as Carlton, currently undefeated, takes on Adelaide at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.
Walsh has been sidelined for the initial four games of the 2024 season due to a back injury, with concerns arising about the possibility of another operation after he underwent back surgery following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Carlton coach Michael Voss expressed relief as the speculation surrounding Sam Walsh’s health is set to come to an end with the star midfielder gearing up for his return to the red-hot Blues.
Walsh, the former No.1 draft pick, is slated to make his season debut as Carlton, currently undefeated, takes on Adelaide at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.
Having sat out the first four games of the 2024 season due to a back injury, Walsh’s absence raised concerns, especially considering his previous back surgery at the end of the 2022 season, sparking fears of another operation.
However, Voss and the club maintained confidence throughout, emphasizing that Walsh’s return was imminent and that caution was being exercised with one of their key players.
“I’m very happy that the Sam Walsh questions will now be over; that is a victory in itself,” Voss expressed during an interview with SEN on Tuesday. “Grateful to have him available, and it’ll be great to have him out there. They took their time with his recovery.”
Meanwhile, injury-hit Richmond may see the return of defender Dylan Grimes for their upcoming clash with winless West Coast. Grimes is listed as a test for Sunday’s game following his struggles with a wrist injury.
However, three-time premiership midfielder Dion Prestia and Jacob Hopper remain sidelined, with Prestia recovering from a hamstring injury and Hopper dealing with a knee issue, both expected to be out for another three weeks.