Jacob Weitering has a fractured rib but has been cleared to play in Carlton\u2019s Opening Round clash against Sydney.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a welcome boost for the Blues after the ace defender was stretchered off the ground during Saturday night\u2019s State of Origin revival.<\/p>\n
Weitering landed heavily in the first quarter against Western Australia and the match was delayed for nearly 10 minutes as he was taken from the ground.<\/p>\n
There were concerns he had sustained a serious concussion but Weitering said he was conscious through the entire incident.<\/p>\n
The Blues assessed Weitering when he returned to the club on Monday and deemed him able to play against the Swans in coming weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis assessment confirmed Weitering had sustained a rib fracture, but the defender has been cleared of any other injury,\u201d a Carlton statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result, he remains a good chance to be available to play in opening round.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 28-year-old will now focus on making a full recovery, with the club to confirm his availability to play against Sydney during the week of opening round.\u201d<\/p>\n
Weitering is a needed commodity to the Blues at the best of times but will likely match up on former teammate Charlie Curnow in his first match as a Swan.<\/p>\n
Weitering spoke to media at the airport on Sunday before the club conducted its scans on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was fully conscious through the whole thing, there was obviously a bit of soreness through the upper back and shoulder,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot at all, I absolutely loved the week \u2026 I kept up with the scores in hospital, I would certainly do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n