Carlton veteran Matthew Kreuzer is in good spirits at home, but is set to miss most of the 2020 season.
The ruckman fractured a bone in his foot in the club’s Round 1 loss to Richmond and had surgery in the following week.
Blues skipper Sam Docherty said Kreuzer is a chance to play late in the season.
“He’s going pretty well I spoke to him the other day. He’s obviously not doing a whole heap at the moment just resting and recovering,” he said.
“He’s got a newborn at home which will be keeping him flat out … He’s going really well and we’re hopeful he might be able to get a late-season return.
“As with most injuries we just have to wait and see and make sure the recovery ticks off … but he’s going really well other than that.”
Carlton lacks a bona fide backup behind Kreuzer, with former Hawk Marc Pittonet likely to step into the role.
The versatile Levi Casboult could also be used, but the Blues will likely want him inside 50 given the absence of Charlie Curnow.
They could also turn to youngster Tom De Koning, who had an impressive pre-season and would have been on the cusp of Round 1 selection anyway.