Richmond could be without two of its best players after midfielder Dion Prestia and key forward Jack Riewoldt suffered injuries in Thursday night's 25-point loss to Carlton at the MCG. 

Triple Coleman Medal winner Riewoldt has a suspected fractured thumb following an incident in the opening quarter. 

The 33-year-old went into the rooms and returned to play out the game but struggled to make a significant impact on the result, finishing with a goal from six disposals and two marks.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said the veteran spearhead could require surgery. 

"I think Jack might have fractured his thumb," Hardwick said in his post-match press conference on Thursday night. 

"He'll have scans to confirm it that’s why he went off early and probably struggled to hold the ball a little bit tonight. We'll get more details out when we find out possibly tomorrow."

After managing only nine games in each of the past two seasons due to persistent injuries, including repeated hamstring concerns, Prestia was subbed out of the game early in the second quarter due to another hamstring injury. 

The 29-year-old had been one of Richmond's most impressive performers over the pre-season and looked set to return to his best in 2022. 

Prestia dominated the opening quarter alongside Dustin Martin, amassing 10 disposals and 198 metres gained.

Hardwick said Prestia was devastated by another setback and will undergo scans on Friday to determine the severity.

"It's just disappointing; he's had as good a pre-season as he's had. He is so important to the way we play. I feel like he's barely played for two and a half years," he said.

"To get 10 touches in the first quarter and lo and behold we're up and going and then he goes out. He is a significant loss. I just really feel for the kid. He is so important to the way we play and the culture of the place as well. 

"He was really disappointed and I'm disappointed for him. We want to see him on the field and up and about. It’s a challenging stage for him."