Carlton midfielder George Hewett is no certainty to line up against Geelong on Thursday night as he looks to prove his fitness following a hand injury.
Hewett could join a long list of Blues players on the sidelines for Round 2 if he fails to pass tests on Wednesday afternoon, with Carlton to name their side for this week's clash against the Cats later that evening.
Senior coach Michael Voss is already without star onballer Sam Walsh for the opening rounds of the 2023 season due to a back injury sustained last year, while Corey Durdin (hamstring), Caleb Marchbank (calf), David Cuningham (shoulder), Matt Cottrell (foot), and Zac Williams (knee) were also ruled out for Carlton's season opener against Richmond.
While Hewett had avoided significant damage to his hand following an injury concern from the Round 1 draw, the former Swan is still in some doubt to face Geelong this week.
Voss informed media on Wednesday morning that Hewett will need to pass a fitness test ahead of selection, with a late call to be made on the midfielder's selection chances.
Carlton will confirm their 22-man side and four emergencies for their Round 2 bout at 6:20pm on Wednesday, with Geelong to do the same.
The Cats are expected to make at least one change to their side following last Friday's 22-point loss to Collingwood, with star defender Tom Stewart sidelined with a knee injury for the coming weeks.
Stewart didn't feature against the Blues last year due to suspension, but was a standout for the Cats in 2021 when the two clubs went head-to-head in Round 17 that season. Stewart collected 25 disposals, eight marks and eight rebounds 50s in that game to poll a singular Brownlow vote in the 26-point win.
Cats coach Chris Scott may need to shuffle the magnets for this week's clash, having already lost defenders Jack Henry (foot) and Jake Kolodjashnij (concussion) for the start of the season.
Sam De Koning has been cleared to play following an injury concern from Round 1.
The Blues and Cats will clash at the MCG at 7:20pm (AEDT).