Carlton remains optimistic that Chris Judd will return for this Sunday’s Elimination Final against Richmond at the MCG.  

Judd completed today’s open training session with the main group and looked unhindered by the ruptured medial ligament injury which has ruled him out for the past three weeks.

Carlton Director of Coaching and Development Rob Wiley confirmed the former Blues skipper would play against the Tigers if he got through Thursday’s main session.

“He (Judd) did a bit of running last week and obviously he has got to prove his fitness still, but what he did today was okay” Wiley said.

“He is a big game player and it is important (that you have your best players in) when you play a good side like Richmond.”

Wiley said Brock McLean and Heath Scotland were both continuing to recover from their respective quad injuries after missing the weekend’s thrilling one-point win over Port Adelaide.

The duo completed stationary drills away from the main group today, but like Judd will need to participate in the main session to have any chance of lining up on Sunday.

“If we can’t match them (Richmond) in the running stakes then you have to make that decision and unfortunately it’s not an emotional decision, it’s a decision based on fact,” Wiley said.

“Both are quality players and both are experienced players and any side would dearly love to have them, but they must be fit.”