Jeremy Laidler will miss between six and eight weeks after having surgery on his injured left knee today. Laidler injured his knee in the first minute of Saturday’s game against Essendon at the MCG. He met with his specialist last night and the Carlton medical staff today and it was confirmed that he would require surgery.
 
Carlton’s General Manager Football Operations Andrew McKay said it was disappointing to lose Laidler from the team.
 
“We originally thought he may be a chance to play this week against Fremantle however after meeting with the specialist and discussions with the Carlton medical staff it was decided the operation was necessary to stabilize the knee and ensure he will be fine for the second half of the season”.
 
This is the second occasion Laidler has injured his left knee in 2012. In round two of the NAB Cup he dislocated his kneecap in the match against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. This injury required arthroscopic surgery to flush out the knee and he returned for Carlton’s opening match of the season against Richmond at the MCG.