Carlton's emerging star forward Charlie Curnow will require surgery after hurting his knee playing basketball several days ago.

Curnow was playing basketball casually - not an organised game - when he suffered a knee cap dislocation.

Carlton confirmed last night that Curnow, who had knee issues this season, would require surgery, in what would be a setback to the talented forward's pre-season training program.

The incident was described by one source familiar with it as a freak accident. Curnow, who had setbacks with knee injuries this year, missed the Carlton best and fairest on Friday night.

The Blues had been weighing up whether he needed surgery following the accident, before confirming that Curnow - one of the club's most talented and important players - would have to have an operation.