CARLTON'S Sam Walsh continues to make progress in his recovery from an ankle injury.

After sustaining the injury early last month, Walsh began to step up his rehab on Saturday, to which he has responded well at this stage.

There are also updates on Liam Stocker and draftee Dom Akuei, who are nearing returns from respective ankle and groin injuries.

Here’s where things stand from an injury standpoint.

Sam Walsh (ankle)

The Club began to step up Walsh's rehab on Saturday, and has responded well so far in encouraging signs for the 2021 John Nicholls Medallist. He will continue to be monitored closely by Carlton's high performance staff over this next period. His return-to-play over the coming weeks will be guided by how the ankle is functioning, as opposed to a specific timeline: he will need to tick every box possible during this next phase before being available to play.

Liam Stocker (ankle)

The 22-year-old has returned to the skills program and is in a reconditioning phase to be ready to play. He is expected to be playing football within 2-3 weeks.

Domanic Akuei (groin)

The draftee is back into the full skills program and is in a reconditioning phase to be ready to play. He is a good chance to be available in the next fortnight.