CARLTON expects exciting midfielder David Cuningham to miss the next three to four matches after copping a knock to his kidneys at training this week.

Cuningham, who developed bruising as a result of the collision, has been replaced in the Blues' side to face the Power on Saturday by small forward Cam Polson.

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The 21-year-old had shown plenty of promise through the club's pre-season campaign, impressing in last week's loss to Richmond after winning 22 disposals and three clearances.

It followed a strong summer on the track that had Carlton coaches excited about his potential, having kicked seven goals in three practice matches for the Blues.

The injury is a frustrating setback for the former first-round draft pick, who had just completed his first uninterrupted pre-season since arriving at Carlton in 2015.

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The Blues are still without ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (knee) and midfielder Matt Kennedy (shoulder) for round two, while promising young tall forward Tom De Koning also hurt his knee in a VFL practice match last week and will miss around two months.

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Carlton is set to face Port Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs over the next month in a four-week stint that includes two interstate trips.