Carlton star Sam Walsh will miss the start of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery on a bulging disc.

The club confirmed on Friday it had consulted with Walsh and specialists “over a number of months” before determining surgery was the best course of action, despite the impact it will have on the midfielder’s 2023 season.

Football boss Brad Lloyd said Walsh’s return date was indefinite as a result of the decision.

“Throughout the last few months our number one priority has been for Sam’s wellbeing in managing this issue, which is why we explored every possible conservative treatment option, Lloyd told the club website.

“Following this extensive process, it was clear that given all alternative treatments had not progressed his recovery, surgery was the required option to correct the issue.

“Sam is now recovering after undergoing surgery last night and will commence his rehabilitation in the New Year.

“While Sam’s professionalism and resilience is well-known, we will absolutely give Sam all the time he needs to make a full recovery before he returns to the side during the season.

“Due to the long-term nature of this rehabilitation, it isn’t possible to confirm a set date for his return right now. Once the opening month of the season has been completed though, we expect to be able to provide more clarity on his expected return to play.”

This week, Carlton president Luke Sayers indicated the club had made off-field changes in a bid to curtail the injury toll suffered in recent seasons.

The Blues narrowly missed out on finals in 2022 under new coach Michael Voss and were hit with a suite of injury blows throughout the year, with key players such as Mitch McGovern, Zac Williams, Marc Pittonet and George Hewett all missing extended periods as a result of injury.

Sayers, speaking via Carlton’s club website, said that “99 per cent of the changes that have happened (this off-season) are actually invisible to members and fans.”

Asked about the club’s approach to its fitness program - and whether the Ikon Park surface had any bearing - Sayers said work had been done on the side’s injury toll.

“I‘m led to believe there are a number of other things that have caused the injury challenges over the last 12 months,” he said.

“We have had a look at the high performance area, the medical area and the interconnectedness to coaching and the way in which we do all that.

“We have made some changes in the off-season, none related to turf, but we are absolutely focused on that, making sure we have players up and about and as physically fit as we possibly can. Obviously, we‘ll have some injuries every year, but we want to minimise that.”