CARLTON will be without promising youngster Liam Stocker for the next month as he recovers from bone stress in his foot.

The promising first-year Blue missed Saturday’s clash with Brisbane with the injury after playing the previous five rounds.

Director of High Performance Andrew Russell assured supporters the youngster would return towards the back end of the season.

“Liam unfortunately has got some low-grade bone stress in his foot, which is not uncommon for a young guy of his age,” Russell said of the 19-year-old.

“It will probably mean he’ll miss maybe three or four games and then he should come back strong and be able to finish the season in good shape.”

It was better news for Blues midfielder Darcy Lang, who is in line for a return after missing the weekend’s victory over the Lions through hip injury.

According to Russell, the knock to Lang’s hip sustained in the Blues’ Round 11 clash with Essendon should not prevent his selection this week.

“Darcy got a knock to the hip and pulled up quite sore. He took a while to settle down, but he’s turned the corner now,” he said.

“He’s going to train on Thursday and he’ll be a test to play.”

Blues supporters will also be pleased to hear that Lochie O’Brien will be on the track this week after a twisted knee sidelined him late in Saturday’s game.

Despite finishing the game on the bench, Russell confirmed the young midfielder avoided any damage to his knee.

“Lochie twisted his knee late in the game,” he said.

“He’s pulled up pretty well and we expect him to play this week which is good news.”