CARLTON defender Alex Silvagni will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his troublesome Achilles at the weekend.
Silvagni was making his return to footy through the VFL on Sunday, having not yet made a senior appearance this season due to hamstring and Achilles problems.
However, he was forced from the field in the second quarter, with the club confirming on Monday that the 30-year-old requires surgery and that his season is over.
Silvagni was named in the club's leadership group this year, despite only entering his second season at the club.
It's another blow for Carlton, with three of the club's eight-man leadership group now having dealt with significant injury issues throughout the year.
Skipper Marc Murphy has missed seven of the past eight weeks with a foot injury, while vice-captain Sam Docherty was also ruled out for the entire campaign after suffering a knee injury in pre-season.
Silvagni played seven games for Carlton in his maiden season with the club, adding to the 53 games he played with Fremantle before crossing as a rookie.
He earned a one-year contract extension for this season as a result of his promising form with the Blues, which was highlighted by keeping Sydney superstar Lance Franklin to just one goal in an upset win against the Swans.
