Carlton is "very confident" Matthew Kreuzer will pass a concussion test and play against St Kilda on Sunday.
Kreuzer suffered a head knock in the second quarter of the Blues' win over the Brisbane Lions last Saturday and, after becoming ill in the change rooms at half-time, took no further part in the game.
Blues football manager Andrew McKay said Kreuzer had pulled up well after the Lions victory and should be fit to take on the Saints.
"Matthew Kreuzer came off feeling a bit ill (against the Lions) and had some concussive symptoms," McKay told the club's website.
"(He) has pulled up pretty well, certainly (he felt) good on Sunday and Monday. He'll have a concussion test (on Wednesday) and that will determine whether he's fit to play.
"But we're very confident he'll be right."
The Blues are also confident Liam Sumner will be available for selection against the Saints after missing last round with a minor foot sprain, while the club has also been buoyed by the progression of 2015 first-round draft picks Harry McKay (lower back) and Charlie Curnow (glandular fever).
Watch Carlton's Round 12 injury update
The Blues footy boss said McKay was three weeks away from resuming, while Curnow was on track to return a week later.
"(Harry) is building up to some good solid training over the next three weeks. We're going to have to manage him as we go, make sure there's no relapse, but we're confident in his progression so far," McKay said.
"(Charlie) is back into modified training. We'll build his training up over the next four weeks and he'll be right to go after then."
The Blues will head into their round 13 bye with a 7-5 record if they get over the Saints.
They sit a game – and more than 40 percentage points – behind eight-placed Adelaide, but after winning six of their past seven games making the finals is suddenly a possibility.
However, in-form midfielder Ed Curnow refused to indulge in any September talk when repeatedly quizzed about Carlton's finals chances by reporters on Wednesday.
"It's a great feeling around the club and we're thrilled to get the wins that we've got," Curnow said.
"We don't like to look too far ahead, like most footy clubs.
"We're just judging ourselves on that gradual improvement throughout the week."
First-year forward Jack Silvagni pressed his claims for a senior debut with an outstanding performance in the VFL last Sunday, kicking four goals and taking five contested marks in the Northern Blues' win over Frankston.
Find out who's pushing for senior selection in the Round 9 VFL player review
Curnow expected Silvagni – the son and grandson of club greats Stephen and Sergio – would debut at some stage this season, but was unsure whether his opportunity would come this round.
"He's been playing really well, Jack. I watched him on the weekend, he played a great game," Curnow said.
"He's progressing really well in the VFL. He's playing Carlton-style football, so I'm sure he'll get a chance at some stage during the year.
"I don't know when that will be though."
