Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer needs more foot surgery and will be out of action for at least half this AFL season.

Kreuzer was a late withdrawal from the loss to Richmond last week, but was confident earlier this week that he would return for Sunday’s blockbuster against Essendon.

The Blues announced on Thursday that Kreuzer is still suffering pain in the foot and doctors have decided another operation is needed.

They said he would be sidelined for 12-14 weeks.

Kreuzer also needed foot surgery after last season.

It is a major blow for Kreuzer and Carlton, who are winless after two rounds and are also awaiting the return of veteran Chris Judd from Achilles tendon surgery.

Judd was scheduled to return this weekend, but it was pushed back a fortnight.

The Blues hope Kreuzer will return later in the season.

“We have been monitoring Matthew’s foot this week and although he has managed to participate in training, he is still experiencing significant pain,” said Blues football director Andrew McKay.

“His surgeon and our club doctor have determined it is in both Kreuzer’s and the club’s interests for him to have another procedure, to ensure he is fully fit to play a role in the later part of the season.

“Kreuzer is an integral part of our team and will be missed on the field, but we’re confident this is the best course of action going forward.”