Carlton defender Adam Saad is no certainty of returning from a hamstring injury for next week's clash with the Gold Coast Suns.
The Blues have been without more than 1000 games of AFL experience through a series of setbacks to senior players over recent weeks, with Saad having missed the past five games for the Blues.
Carlton have lost three of their five games without Saad, with the club's recent injury toll impacting the club's ability to contend in recent weeks.
Speaking to 3AW, Saad revealed he'll need to overcome tests across the next week to be deemed fit to face the Suns, with a return to come over the next fortnight at least.
"It's coming along well," Saad said of his recovery.
"I've been out for 4-5 weeks now, I'm ticking all the boxes and am tracking along really nicely.
"Hopefully I'll come back in the next week or so. There's a good chance (returning against Gold Coast), I've just got to tick some boxes throughout the week and hopefully I get myself up for selection."
The Blues are currently without Adam Cerra and Jesse Motlop due to hamstring injuries, while Jack Martin (calf), David Cuningham (calf), Lachie Fogarty (wrist), Matt Cottrell (foot) have all picked up recent setbacks.
The club is hopeful key defender Jacob Weitering will be fit to face the Suns after copping a heavy knock against Sydney on Friday night, with the reigning John Nicholls Medal winner subbed out of the defeat due to the cork.
Coach Michael Voss didn't want to draw any reason for the club's most recent loss coming down to the string of injuries that have plagued the club.
"No, not going there, mate, not going there," Voss said on Friday night.
"We could have got that job done and we didn't, so I don't want to go anywhere else."
Carlton host Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday at 1:45 pm (AEST) as they chase their seventh win and a potential return to the top eight.