CARLTON recruit Kristian Jaksch has suffered an early setback at his new club after scans revealed a navicular injury that will keep him sidelined from pre-season training until at least January.

 

Jaksch, 20, was sent for scans on Friday after he experienced pain in his left foot at training.

 

While the 196cm big man was found to have suffered a stress reaction to his navicular bone, the news was more positive than it might have been.

 

The Blues' general manager of football operations Andrew McKay said the injury has been detected early and the prognosis was good.

 

“It’s clearly disappointing for both Kristian and the club, but we are lucky to have found this early,” McKay said.

 

“After initial assessment we are very confident that Kristian will not need surgery, however, the specialist appointment tomorrow will confirm that.”

 

The Blues expect Jaksch, who arrived at Visy Park from Greater Western Sydney in the recent NAB AFL Trade Period, to resume full training in the New Year.

 

The versatile key position player was traded to Carlton last month along with Mark Whiley and pick No.19, in exchange for the Blues' pick seven in the upcoming national draft on November 27.

 

Jaksch played seven games and kicked two goals for the Giants after he was drafted with pick 12 from the Oakleigh Chargers in 2012.