CARLTON defender Matthew Watson will join veteran Chris Judd on the sidelines for the rest of the season after suffering a fractured foot as the Blues count the cost of a devastating loss to the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

However, Carlton remains hopeful speedster Jeff Garlett will be passed fit to face Richmond in yet another must-win game at the MCG on Saturday despite the small forward sustaining a corked glute against the Dogs.

Watson hurt his powerful left foot when his kicking attempt was smothered by the leg of Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant in the second quarter. The 21-year-old played on briefly in obvious discomfort before spending the rest of the match on the bench.

Watson's injury was initially believed to be merely bruising or a strain but scans on Sunday morning revealed its true extent.

It's a big blow to Carlton, given Watson's importance to the Blues' structure in that he allows swingman Lachie Henderson to play as a key forward.

Losses don't come much bigger than Judd. Scans confirmed the dual Brownlow medallist has suffered a grade-two strain to the medial ligament in his left knee.

Judd could return if the Blues advance past the first week of the finals, as the knee will be in a brace for a fortnight before he then has rehabilitation for a further two weeks.

However, it appears the Blues' only chance of making the final eight is by default. They need to remain ninth and hope Essendon loses its premiership points as a consequence of the investigation into the club's supplements program of 2011-12.