Two of Carlton’s big men could return to the Blues' side this week, as the team prepares to battle it out with Geelong at Etihad Stadium.

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and forward Levi Casboult could take the field on Sunday, provided they pass the necessary tests.

Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay says both players have improved faster than anticipated, after suffering injuries against Port Adelaide in Round 8.

“Kreuzer has improved after the surgery quicker than expected and he had a follow-up meeting with the surgeon today,” McKay said.

“The surgeon says structurally his knee is sound, so it will be a matter of whether he can get through training over the coming days before we can consider him for selection.

“In terms of Levi, his initial MRI scan revealed a small hairline fracture to the top of his tibia, but a more recent CT scan revealed it’s actually a depression in his tibia which is a lot less severe.

“It has improved an enormous amount over the last few days.

“He will still require a thorough test tomorrow before we can rule him in or out.” 

Swingman Kristian Jaksch, who has been performing well in the VFL for the Northern Blues, has also been named in the 25-man squad.

Jaksch kicked four goals against Coburg last week to help Northern defeat its traditional rivals in the ‘Battle of the Bell’.

Watch Jaksch's four-goal haul in the VFL

Meanwhile, Geelong has named Tom Lonergan, Billie Smedts, Jake Kolodjashnij and Jordan Murdoch as its four inclusions to its extended squad, with Daniel Menzel (soreness) the only confirmed out.

The final 22-man team will be announced tomorrow evening.

Carlton's squad for Round 10:

In: Kreuzer, Casboult, Jaksch