DIRECTOR of High Performance Andrew Russell provided key updates on some returning Blues following the first week on training.

With a number of Carlton’s players overcoming injuries following Round 1, the recent layoff has been mooted as a beneficial one for a number of Blues.

In the cases of Harry McKay, Eddie Betts and Nic Newman, Russell said he expects all to be available for Round 2.

While Newman sustained an elbow injury in Round 1, McKay and Betts both missed the season opener, but now look in a position to perform.

“[Eddie] — no issue at all. He’s been in full training for a long time,” Russell said.

“Harry is going great… we couldn’t be any more pleased with how he’s going. He’s in a performance training phase as he has been in the last seven weeks.

“‘Newy’ we think is going to be available in Round 2… he’s got to get used to contact when the AFL rules allow us to do so.”

Along with Newman, Zac Fisher and Matthew Kreuzer also received knocks in the loss to Richmond.

Fisher will ramp up his training in the coming weeks in his bid for selection in Round 2, while Kreuzer recently received positive news despite the lengthy layoff he’s in line for.

“‘Kreuz’ saw the surgeon yesterday and had some really good news: the bone is healing very well,” he said.

“He’s probably got another couple of weeks of non-weight bearing where he’s not running… it’s going to be at least a 20-week injury [in total].

“‘Fish’ is not back in the program doing skills, but he’s running — he’s running hard. We’re just waiting for that last little bit of ankle to settle down, which we expect in the next week.”

For Russell’s full comments, watch the video above.