Key Carlton pair Matthew Kreuzer and Caleb Marchbank are expected to be available for selection for the Blues when they take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium in round three.
Carlton coach Brendan Bolton revealed the two had come โreally closeโ to selection for the sideโs round two Saturday twilight clash with Port Adelaide.
Veteran ruckman Kreuzer underwent a minor procedure to his knee in late January, while tall defender Marchbank has been battling a back complaint.
โWe just want a little bit more training into them. Their injuries are both pretty good now so theyโre training,โ Bolton told reporters at Melbourne Airport on Friday before his sideโs flight to Adelaide.
โ(Director of high performance) Andrew Russellโs saying another week, so Iโm pretty confident theyโll play next week.โ
Andrew Phillips will continue with ruck responsibilities in round two in Kreuzerโs absence, while Jacob Weitering, Lachie Plowman and Liam Jones will hold the fort down back.
