A WELCOME return to action is in the offing for a key Carlton defender.

Having had his pre-season interrupted by a back injury, Caleb Marchbank is close to donning the Navy Blue once again.

After missing the majority of last season with an ankle injury, Marchbank’s return will be a big addition to the Blues’ back-line — whenever that comes.

Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said Marchbank’s ability to get back in a position to imminently play was as a result of his application on the track.

“Caleb Marchbank has had a really, really pleasing six weeks of training,” Russell said.

“He’s in a position where he’s getting very close to selection.

“He’s going to be in the mix to play AFL this week.”

Meanwhile, Russell said Carlton had taken a conservative approach with Matthew Kreuzer in his return from a knee injury.

With the Northern Blues having a bye in Round 1 of the VFL season this weekend, Russell said the ruckman would continue to build towards a senior return.

“He’s been starting to get through back-to-back, consistent sessions. If there was a VFL game this week, he would play,” he said.

“We’ll probably do some internal gameplay this week and then he’ll be in the mix the week after.”