Luckless Carlton defender Caleb Marchbank will run out for the club at AFL level for the first time in nearly three years after the club confirmed his long-awaited return.
Since Round 16, 2019, Marchbank has suffered an array of injuries including a neck fracture, calf injuries, bone bruising and an ACL rupture during a horrid period for the 25-year-old.
The former Giant had returned to the VFL level earlier this season, and despite missing the last two weeks after a knock to his knee, head coach Michael Voss announced his return at training on Tuesday night.
The Blues' defensive stocks have been rocked with injury in 2022, with star defender Jacob Weitering joining fellow absentees Oscar McDonald (back), Mitch McGovern (hamstring) and Luke Parks (foot) on the sidelines.
Marchbank's return comes in the nick of time for Carlton's clash against the Bombers and will see him pair up with Lewis Young in the defensive line, with mid-season recruit and former Roo Sam Durdin and 21-year-old Brodie Kemp also in contention to solidify the backline.
Michael Voss' side will be looking to bounce back from their nail-biting loss to the Magpies before the bye and re-enter the top four against the Bombers on Friday night (7:50 pm AEST).