Newly recruited Carlton forward Mitch McGovern is expected to be out of action for at least a month after fracturing his back.

McGovern, a North Albany product, has a minor fracture in his back which occurred during match simulation and will be sidelined for at least a month.

Players are heading in their break over the Christmas and New Year period and it’s a bitter blow for the youngest of the McGovern brothers as he tries to impress in his first pre-season with the Blues since being traded from the Adelaide Crows.

The 24-year played 67 games with the Crows but was plagued by ankle and hamstring injuries, which also saw him miss out on their 2017 grand final appearance.