Just when it appeared Carlton's season couldn’t get any worse, its chief tagger has become the third Blue in recent days to be sidelined with a season-ending injury.
Fellow veteran Chris Judd (medial ligament in his left knee) and young defender Matthew Watson (fractured left foot) were casualties during the Blues' loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
In better news, ruckman Matthew Kreuzer could return for Saturday's blockbuster against Richmond after missing the Bulldogs' clash with a minor calf strain. He and speedster Jeff Garlett, who suffered a corked glute against the Dogs, will face fitness tests.
Carrazzo's 2013 campaign began well when he was elevated to the vice-captaincy, a position he shares with Kade Simpson, but he has played just 10 games after being hampered by injury.
The 29-year-old missed eight weeks from round six with a difficult-to-diagnose calf issue. In his fifth game back – against Fremantle in round 19 – he was substituted out of the contest early with bruising to his other calf.
Carrazzo was initially tipped to return for the round 22 clash with Essendon, but has experienced further problems.
"Andrew's had a setback with his calf, which is disappointing for him," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay told carltonfc.com.au on Tuesday.
"He's missed a number of games this season with his calves … (But) it enables him to get both calves right for next year.
"(It's) obviously a huge bonus for us getting him on the field with his leadership and his skill … so we're looking forward to having a good year with him next year."
The Blues expect Carrazzo, Judd and Watson to be fully recovered before they start their pre-season campaign for 2014.
Meanwhile, tall defender Patrick McCarthy has recovered from a foot injury and will return through the VFL.
Twitter: @AFL_BenCollins
