Carlton spearhead Charlie Curnow is said to be a growing chance to miss Saturday's elimination final against Brisbane as he continues to deal with an ankle injury.
Curnow last played in Round 22 - a match that saw him feature in less than half of the defeat to Hawthorn, with the dual Coleman Medal winner carrying a concern into the game.
The 27-year-old missed his side's final two games of the home and away season and is required to prove his fitness at training this week in the lead-up to the Blues trip to Queensland.
Curnow is one of seven players in the same boat ahead of Thursday's main session at Princes Park, while former captain Sam Docherty's remarkable return from an ACL injury sustained in Carlton's season opener has been confirmed.
Fellow key forward Harry McKay and first-string ruckman Tom De Koning are among the key Blues facing tests, with quartet Zac Williams, Mitch McGovern, Adam Cerra and Jack Martin also pressing their case for recalls after suffering recent hamstring injuries.
Curnow has faced a limited week on the track ahead of main training, withย News Corpย reporting the Blues star is increasingly in doubt for Carlton's first final.
The potential absence of Curnow will leave a significant void in Michael Voss' front third, with the Blues coach hoping to at least have McKay back from his quad injury.
De Koning could come into a more attacking role and play alongside Marc Pittonet after dealing with a foot injury since mid-July, while swingman Brodie Kemp has shown promise in the absence of both Curnow and McKay.
Midfielder Matt Kennedy was also utilised as a forward asset in Carlton's last two matches, with the ex-Giant ranking equal fourth for goals at the Blues in 2024 behind Curnow, McKay and Matt Owies with 16 majors alongside captain Patrick Cripps.
Carlton will name their 23-man side at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday ahead of their elimination final against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.
