CARLTON is facing a defensive crisis ahead of this week's meeting with Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron, with a host of key Blues unlikely to be available for selection.

Lachie Plowman suffered a fractured cheekbone in last week's loss to Collingwood, while young teammate Tom Williamson has suffered yet another setback to his troublesome back.

Veteran defender Kade Simpson remains another week away due to a hamstring injury, while Liam Jones is also unlikely to play as he recovers from a significant concussion.

AROUND THE STATE LEAGUES  Who starred for your club?

However, Nic Newman could return to a depleted backline from a knee injury.

Williamson, who missed 18 months due to a persistent back injury before finally returning a fortnight ago, hyperextended his back in the final quarter of Saturday's clash.

His movement has been restricted as a result of the injury, with the Blues expected to take a cautious approach with his return and ruling him out for a minimum of two weeks.

FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?

Plowman, a mainstay in Carlton's backline, fractured his cheekbone after an incident late in Saturday's game and is set to undergo surgery to repair the injury later this week.

He will also miss this week's clash against his former side, while the club is expected to be patient with both Simpson and Jones as they recover from existing injury issues.

It could leave Carlton short at the back as it prepares to take on Greater Western Sydney on Sunday, with an in-form Cameron bagging 30 goals from his first eight games of the year.

Levi Casboult was shifted into the backline against Collingwood last week and is likely to be persisted with in his new position, having impressed playing on Ben Reid on Saturday, while former St Kilda defender Hugh Goddard will also be considered for a club debut.