Carlton’s star forward, Harry McKay, will be absent from the upcoming match against the Western Bulldogs due to personal reasons. The club has not disclosed specific details regarding his absence, but his return for next week’s highly anticipated clash against Collingwood remains uncertain. A final decision on his availability will be made in the days leading up to the game.
The 2021 Coleman Medal winner was given time off following the Blues’ match against Hawthorn last Thursday. He did not rejoin his teammates in training until Wednesday, raising concerns about his fitness and readiness for the next round. Carlton confirmed his absence in an official statement on Thursday morning, and head coach Michael Voss is expected to address the situation further in his weekly press conference.
McKay featured in Carlton’s season opener against Richmond, where he contributed one goal and collected 14 disposals. However, he was a last-minute withdrawal from the Hawthorn match, with the club initially attributing his absence to illness. Following that game, he remained away from the team for several days before making his return to training this week.
In their statement, Carlton emphasized that McKay’s well-being remains a priority. The club assured fans that he is receiving the necessary support as he navigates his personal matters. While he was able to train with the squad upon his return, his status for Round 4 is still up in the air, with his availability to be reassessed next week.
As the Blues prepare for a crucial stretch in their season, McKay’s absence poses a challenge for the team’s forward line. His presence is instrumental to Carlton’s attacking strategy, and fans will be hoping for a swift resolution to his situation. More updates on his status are expected in the coming days.