Carlton midfielder David Cuningham will have season-ending surgery after scans confirmed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Cuningham suffered the knee injury when he landed during a marking contest in the opening minutes of Sunday's loss to Melbourne.
"David worked extremely hard to earn his place back in the 22 this season and was really putting together some solid football in recent weeks," Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd said.
"This news is always tough to hear but we know what David brings to this football club and we will support him fully throughout his recovery.
"We have no doubt he will now translate that work ethic into his rehab and ensure he is back out in the navy blue next season."
Cuningham, 24, has played four games this season for a total of 41 AFL appearances since his debut in 2016.
