Carlton’s chances of making the AFL finals have been dealt a shattering blow with star midfielder Sam Walsh set for a long stint on the sidelines.

The Blues confirmed on Saturday morning that Walsh would be out for “approximately 5-6 weeks” after a hot spot had been detected in his foot.

Carlton said Walsh had reported foot soreness during training on Friday and immediately had a “series of scans”.

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The scans cleared him of a fracture and the club said fortunately no surgery was required.

“Sam was unable to complete yesterday’s main training session after reporting soreness in his foot, with further examination confirming a hot spot in his foot,” football boss Brad Lloyd said.

“This means Sam will need a period of recovery to allow his foot to settle before his he able to return to play.

“Given he does not require surgery, Sam will aim to return to the side in just over a month.”

It’s a shattering blow for Carlton, however, whose chances of making the finals are hanging on a knife’s edge.

The Blues have been in patchy form this year and have a worrying record in second halves of games.

They are currently sitting in eleventh spot on the ladder, with five wins and seven losses.

They are expected to win their next two games against the Eagles in Perth and North Melbourne at the MCG, but then things become far more difficult.

The Blues face the unpredictable Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, flag favourites Collingwood at the MCG, reigning premier Brisbane at Marvel, Melbourne at the MCG, Hawthorn at the MCG, and then head back to Perth for a clash with the Dockers.

Expectations are high for Carlton after they narrowly missed out on making the grand final in 2023.

Since losing that year’s preliminary final to Brisbane, they only snuck into the finals last year and again find themselves staring down the barrel of disappointment.

Some long-suffering and disgruntled fans already want coach Michael Voss sacked, believing the star-studded team has under-achieved under his leadership.

Jaxon Binns has been recalled into the 23 to take on West Coast on Sunday evening.