While dashing Blues defender Zac Williams failed to finish his side's nailbiting loss to Collingwood on Friday night, Carlton head coach Michael Voss allayed fears, pressing the former Giant "should be fine for next week".
Playing in just his 31st game in Navy Blue since trading the Harbour City for Princes Park at the end of the 2020 season, Williams was subbed out in the third term with a suspected glute issue.
The latest leg setback comes after Williams sustained knee and ankle injuries across his opening three seasons and change on Royal Parade, including an ACL rupture that ended his 2023 season before it had begun.
Yet, while Williams would finish the night on the pine, Voss stated that the rebounding runner was in line to face Melbourne next week, irrespective of the short turnaround.
“He had a tight glute so at this point in time we felt that is all it is. He was restricted in his movement, so he got subbed,” Voss stated.
“I think he should be fine for next week but lets wait until we get the scans back."
Though Williams' availability will remain uncertain between now and Wednesday evening, Carlton can expect some of their cavalry to return against the Dees, including key personnel at either end of the ground.
“It looks like we'll get a couple back next week with Jack Martin and [Caleb] Marchbank and [Mitch] McGovern, so there is a few to come back over the next couple of weeks," Voss added.
The currently-sixth-placed Blues will do battle against the Demons next Thursday night at the MCG.