CARLTON’S clean bill of health has been shattered by a foot injury to recruit Kristian Jaksch.

Jaksch, lured from GWS in the trade period, has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his navicular bone after complaining of soreness in his left foot during training on Friday.

He is expected to miss more than two months.

Carlton football manager Andrew McKay put a positive spin on the development, declaring the club had detected the injury early.

“It’s clearly disappointing for both Kristian and the club, but we are lucky to have found this early,” McKay said.

“After initial assessment we are very confident that Kristian will not need surgery, however, the specialist appointment tomorrow will confirm that.”

Jaksch’s injury comes after the Blues expressed optimism over a dramatically reduced injury toll compared to this time last year.

thanks everyone-not to worry, have received better news than first thought! i'll be back bigger stronger better. bring on 2015 @CarltonFC — Kristian Jaksch (@KristianJaksch) November 17, 2014

Earlier on Monday, Marc Murphy put finals on the agenda at Carlton, with the Blues skipper pointing to the squad’s injection of talent and clean bill of health as cause for optimism.

Murphy and his senior teammates joined the side’s youngsters for the official start of pre-season training this morning, with only a few players unable to take part.

media_camera Carlton players report for pre-season training at Visy Park on Monday. Picture: Ian Currie

The captain, now 27, said there was a feeling of urgency to get back to September.

“It has gone quick and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing some finals next year. That’s what we’re here for as a club; we want to get back to that top eight and really push for a premiership down the track,” Murphy said.

“That’s our aim, like every other side if you’re not aiming for finals there’s no point being here. It’s exciting times and the fresh faces coming in, it’s great to be a part of.

“I think the belief we instilled, other than that Port Adelaide game in the second last week, the last eight weeks we challenged a lot of the top sides but couldn’t get over the line.

“That team-first attitude in the last eight weeks was something we really focused on and no doubt it will be the same this pre-season.”

media_camera Chris Judd looks in top shape for the start of pre-season training.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse addressed the squad for more than an hour before training, introducing “recruit” Matthew Kreuzer with the likes of off-season acquisitions Liam Jones, Kristian Jaksch and Mark Whiley.

“There’s been a lot said about Matty Kreuzer. I don’t think he’s had a full pre-season in his career so to see him walking around fine in the change rooms, he’s looking forward to getting out here today,” Murphy said.

“Seeing the pressure he’s been under and all the scrutiny, he’s such a great fella and a great person to have around the club. It’s great to see his body is finally in a condition where he can get a full pre-season under his belt and hopefully hit the ground running in Round 1.

“I think he’s Mick’s favourite recruit at the moment.”

media_camera Mick Malthouse runs a drill at Visy Park.

Murphy, who has played through knee niggles in recent times, has been training daily for the last month. It was a far different opening to pre-season than this time 12 months ago, when some 20 players limped in after undergoing post-season operations.

“It’s certainly much better not really seeing anyone on crutches and there’s not many moon boots in there,” Murphy said.

media_camera Recruit Mark Whiley fires off a handball. Picture:Ian Currie

“Getting everyone out there on the track from day one is going to make the world of difference. We’re just working on improving every day, we want to be a successful club and we’ve got a lot of work to do, like most, to bridge the gap on those top sides.

“We need to get fitter, we’ve got to get stronger. We’re looking forward to doing that and I think we’re in great shape to do it.”

media_camera Matthew Kreuzer marks strongly. Picture: Ian Currie

media_camera Lachie Henderson rides a scooter as part of his rehab program.

media_camera Kade Simpson drops the ball between Marc Murphy and Matthew Kreuzer to see who has quicker reaction time. Murphy was the clear winner. Picture: Ian Currie

media_camera Captain Marc Murphy shows his foot skills. Picture: Ian Currie

Originally published as Blues recruit out for two months