A DEVASTATED Dale Thomas will have scans on a shoulder injury that threatens to sideline the crucial Carlton midfielder for months.

Thomas dislocated his left shoulder in the first minute of the Blues’ 27-point loss to Richmond last night in a nightmare start to the season for the injury-prone ball-winner.

Triple M medical expert Dr Rohan White said Thomas faced anything in between one and six months on the sidelines, depending on the extent of the damage.

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White said a severe dislocation would require a full reconstruction.

Carlton coach Michael Malthouse said the results of scans should be known by Monday.

“It’s a dislocated shoulder, I’m not too sure about how long or whatever that will be,” Malthouse said.

“I mean, it came right out so I suspect that the medical (department) will give us an update in the next couple of days, given it’s Easter.

“It doesn’t look good, well, I couldn’t see him playing next week.”

Malthouse could also be forced to reassess the new-look forward structure after the surprise move to overlook marking target Levi Casboult last night, in favour of new recruits Liam Jones and Kristian Jaksch.

The Blues finished with 78 points for the night, their lowest score in their past 19 clashes against the Tigers.

Malthouse said Casboult was out form and did not warrant selection.

“Levi played three games in the NAB Cup and hasn’t kicked a goal, so you have to put it in the right perspective,” Malthouse said.

“He is a terrific kid, I’m sure he will fight back, and hopefully he plays well tomorrow (in the VFL) and puts his name up.

“Because he can be a strong mark, and he can be a long kick. Probably he has got to become an accurate kick.”

Malthouse forecast last week that he found it difficult to see where the Blues would lose a game this season, but that optimistic prediction has taken an early hit.

The Blues travel west to face West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval on Friday night.

Speedster Chris Yarran was also bothered by a leg complaint and new recruit Kristian Jaksch received a knock to the ribs last night.

Carlton made a hot start, leading by 23 points in the second term. But Richmond blazed to the front, booting six of the next seven goals either side of half time.

Malthouse praised Simon White’s tagging role on Dustin Martin, saying his shutdown job on the Tiger star was excellent.