MITCH McGovern is nearing a return to action.

The 24-year-old has spent the last month undergoing a training block at Ikon Park, as he recovers from a series of injuries which have restricted his ability to train.

Needing to continue to get through his program, Carlton’s Director of High Performance Andrew Russell provided an update on McGovern.

He said the key forward was getting closer to pulling on the Navy Blue, optimistic it would occur before the end of the season.

“‘Gov’ has been really impressive,” Russell said.

“He’s had a fantastic four-week conditioning block, and we feel like he’s in a really strong position to play this week or next week.”

The Blues will be bolstered by the experience of Dale Thomas, who was a late exclusion from the game against West Coast due to illness.

Unable to get up for the Round 20 clash with the reigning premiers, Russell said Thomas was feeling “100 per cent” and due to return for game No.99 in Navy Blue.

“Daisy, pretty simply, had a virus on the morning of the game,” he said.

“He didn’t feel like he was any chance to play so we pulled him out, which gave ‘Schuey’ a good chance to play.

“He has pulled up, he’s 100 per cent: he trained today and will be available.”