CARLTON is due to receive a significant boost this Sunday, with Charlie Curnow due for a return to the action.

Curnow just missed out on a return against Hawthorn in Launceston on the weekend, with the star forward a late omission against Hawthorn.

Still bothered by bone bruising in his knee sustained in Round 2 against Port Adelaide, the injury was been prolonged due to an additional knock to the knee.

With the clash against North Melbourne to come this Sunday, Director of High Performance Andrew Russell is confident in the forward’s progress.

“Charlie was really close to playing last week, it was only at the last minute that we pulled him out,” Russell said.

The key forward is likely to make his return this weekend against the Roos. having trained strongly yesterday.

“He trained really well today and we’re really positive that he’ll be back out there again this week,” he said.

Curnow was replaced with returning forward David Cuningham in his first senior game since sustaining kidney bruising in the days after Round 1. 

The youngster was impactful against the Hawks, earning 16 disposals and a crafty major which earned him a Goal of the Year nomination.

Russell said he was thrilled with the way Cuningham performed and pulled up from his return to action.

“We’re really pleased with his footy and we’re really pleased with the way that he handled the game from a conditioning point of view,” he said.

“He’s recovered well, hopefully he just gets better from here.”