CARLTON youngster Tom Williamson is expected to miss the remainder of the season after a back injury on Saturday.
The 19-year-old defender, who had already suffered a back complaint earlier in the season, suffered a knock and landed awkwardly in the VFL.
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"As a result, his back spasmed," Carlton head of football Andrew McKay said.
"We got it scanned on Sunday which has revealed a bit of a hotspot in his back so we're going to be really conservative in his treatment and recovery.
"Unfortunately, he's likely to be out for the remainder of the season but we'll monitor that as time goes on."
Meanwhile, Levi Casboult has been given some chance of an early return on Friday night against Sydney.
The key forward hasn't played since fracturing a rib in the round seven loss to Adelaide.
"Levi is obviously managing that rib but he has been training really well in the past week or so, and will be training again over the coming days before being a test later in the week," McKay said.