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CARLTON ruckman Barnaby French's immediate future was in doubt last night when scans revealed he had suffered prolapsed lumbar discs.
The fourth and fifth vertebrae in his lower back were damaged in a second quarter rucking contest against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Oval.
Blues coach Denis Pagan said former Sydney ruckman Ricky Mott would be considered as French's replacement for next Sunday's match against St Kilda.
"We made a statement to Rick ? he has to get himself fitter," Pagan said.
"He had a time-trial this morning and broke his personal best by 20 seconds.
"If Barnaby doesn't come up, and Ricky trains well this week, he will get an opportunity.
"But, he will need to train well and really show us he wants to play.
"I have got no doubts about Ricky's centre bounce work or boundary throw-in, ball-up work, it's just his ability to get around the ground, which we need him to do."
The fourth and fifth vertebrae in his lower back were damaged in a second quarter rucking contest against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Oval.
Blues coach Denis Pagan said former Sydney ruckman Ricky Mott would be considered as French's replacement for next Sunday's match against St Kilda.
"We made a statement to Rick ? he has to get himself fitter," Pagan said.
"He had a time-trial this morning and broke his personal best by 20 seconds.
"If Barnaby doesn't come up, and Ricky trains well this week, he will get an opportunity.
"But, he will need to train well and really show us he wants to play.
"I have got no doubts about Ricky's centre bounce work or boundary throw-in, ball-up work, it's just his ability to get around the ground, which we need him to do."