Sad news: The Blues provide update on a talented star following his brutal injury sustained in training…

Carlton have played down injury concerns for captain Patrick Cripps after the Blues onballer left the training track on Saturday with a suspected knee concern.

Cripps was heavily strapped on his right knee at the session and was seen limping from the field following a contest.

The Blues have since softened concerns surrounding the Brownlow Medal winner, who “just landed awkwardly” and is “fine”.

“He just landed awkwardly at the end of a contest there at training,” Blues assistant Tim Clarke told News Corp. “He is fine.

“He might have used it to get out of the running, knowing Crippa. He is fine.”

The Blues are in a relatively healthy shape nearing the new year, with defender Zac Williams eyeing a return following a year on the sidelines with an ACL injury.

Williams is scheduled to return to main training in February and could press his case for an on-field return early into Carlton’s home and away campaign – which opens with a trip to Brisbane in early March.

Veteran backman Sam Docherty (foot) and small forward Corey Durdin (shoulder) both underwent off-season surgery but aren’t expected to have heavily impacted pre-season from January.

Carlton will face Geelong and Melbourne in February as part of their pre-season schedule before their Opening Round meeting with fellow preliminary finalists Brisbane on Friday, March 8.