MATTHEW Kreuzer and Caleb Marchbank are among the potential inclusions for Carlton's clash against Brisbane at The Gabba on Saturday.
Head of Football Andrew McKay said the pair would be required to undergo final fitness tests before being declared fit to face the Lions.
“Matthew was out last week with concussion - it was a delayed onset of concussion from the previous week. Things are looking good for this week, so he’ll be a test at the end of this week to ensure he’ll be right to play,” McKay said.
“As we know, Caleb has been out for quite some time with that ankle issue. He will be a test at the end of the week too. We’re confident that he will get through training but we will still need to test him to see whether he’s going to be fit and available.”
While McKay confirmed there were no injuries resulting from the Blues’ clash against Port Adelaide, the news isn’t quite as positive for young midfielder David Cuningham, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring strain.
“Unfortunately, David strained his hamstring at training last week. It was a reasonable injury which will sideline him for about six to eight weeks which takes him through to basically the end of the season,” he said.
Midfielder Sam Kerridge is likely to be available for selection when the Blues face St Kilda next week as he overcomes a groin injury.
“Sam Kerridge didn’t play last week with a slight groin niggle. He will still be a week or so away and will face testing later next week,” McKay said.
With the VFL scheduling a bye for the Northern Blues this weekend, a number of youngsters are likely to be available within the fortnight, including Harrison Macreadie (hamstring), Tom De Koning (hamstring), Kym Lebois (knee) and Angus Schumacher (groin).
“Harrison Macreadie has been out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Because of the VFL bye this week, he will face testing later next week,” McKay said.
“Angus Schumacher didn’t play the VFL game last week with that slight groin strain, but he will face testing this week and we’re confident that he will be named available, bearing in mind that there is a bye round scheduled for the VFL this weekend.
“Tom De Koning has a slight hamstring irritation and he’ll be a week out, so won’t be named as available. Meanwhile, Kym Lebois has a slight knee issue, so he won’t be available this week but he’ll also be a test next week too.”
Meanwhile, Jesse Glass-McCasker (knee) is also progressing in his rehabilitation from a medial ligament strain and is likely to be available within five to six weeks, according to McKay.
“Jesse has been managing his medial ligament strain and with the bone bruising around the injury, he is still likely to be missing selection over the next 5-6 weeks," he said.
Injury list pre-Round 16:
Matthew Kreuzer – Concussion – Test
Caleb Marchbank – Ankle – Test
Angus Schumacher – Groin – Test
Sam Kerridge – Groin – 1 week
Harrison Macreadie – Hamstring – 1 week
Tom De Koning – Hamstring – 1 week
Kym Lebois – Knee – 1 week
Jesse Glass-McCasker – Knee – 5-6 weeks
David Cuningham – Hamstring – 6-8 weeks
Tom Williamson - Back - Season
Alex Silvagni - Achilles - Season
Lachie Plowman - Knee - Season
Sam Docherty - Knee - Season
