CARLTON ruckman Marc Pittonet will be sidelined for an extended period of time after undergoing surgery on his ankle. 

After the injury occurred on Saturday night, the Club sought specialist advice as to the appropriate course of treatment, with the decision made today that surgery would be the best approach for his rehabilitation.  

The 25-year-old is a chance of returning to the field late in the season. 

Pittonet had played all 13 games so far in 2021, including 26 in total since arriving at the Club at the end of 2019. 

Carlton forwards Michael Gibbons and Zac Fisher have also been ruled out of Sunday’s clash against the Crows due to injury. 

Despite closing in on a return this weekend, Gibbons re-injured his hamstring at training on Thursday. He was immediately sent for scans which confirmed a high-grade strain, with the Club to assess his availability for later in the season. 

Fisher will miss one week after experiencing ankle soreness. While there was a chance early in the week he would be available, the decision was made to rule the 23-year-old out to ensure he fully recovered.