Surgery for Judd

Carlton superstar Chris Judd is set to undergo surgery on his right shoulder that will keep him sidelined until the New Year.

According to Carlton football manager Andrew McKay the surgery is only 'minor' and Judd will be fit to lead the Blues into action against the Tigers in Round 1 of season 2012.

Judd consulted with orthopedic surgeon Greg Hoy on Thursday after undergoing precautionary scans earlier in the week.

"Chris will have a minor procedure on his shoulder early next week," said McKay.

"At this time of the year it is best to ensure he commences 2012 in peak condition and being a shoulder injury he will be able to maintain his fitness before resuming full training in January."

Carlton coach Brett Ratten said the injury is not related to the reconstruction of both of Judd's shoulders performed before he was drafted in 2001.

"He got a little bit sore so I don't know if he copped a little bump or anything like that," Ratten told SEN.

"We've done fair bit of marking practice early in this pre-season so whether he's gone for it and copped a bump there - we can't actually say it was this incident that got sore."

Ratten said the club was not prepared to take any chances with its most important player.

"You're probably over-conscious of maybe not putting him out there and taking no risks," he said.

"We don’t need to risk him at this time of year."