Carlton's early season optimism has been dented by the loss of star Anthony Koutoufides for up to two months with a finger injury.

Koutoufides will undergo surgery to mend a damaged tendon in a finger that became entangled in a teammate's guernsey during a training drill last week.

The 34-year-old star, who could be playing his last season, will be sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

New Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said Koutoufides' injury was a blow at the start of the season for the club, which enjoyed a strong pre-season by winning the NAB Cup.

The Blues play Richmond at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

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