Chris Yarran has been ruled out of Carlton's line-up for at least another week, while Andrew Carrazzo and Bryce Gibbs face fitness tests before the Blues' clash with the reinvigorated Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.
In better news for Blues fans, Jarrad Waite was not named on the club's injury list after being curiously substituted at three-quarter time during his side's win over Port Adelaide on Sunday.
Earlier on Tuesday, Yarran didn’t make an appearance in a relaxed, 15-minute training session open to media.
In the round six win over Melbourne, the brilliant speedster was subbed off with back and hamstring tightness, which flared again in the opening minutes of the next round against St Kilda, resulting in another substitution. He was ruled out of the clash with the Power.
Carrazzo (calf) participated in stationary handball drills with a large contingent of senior players. Waite was on similar duties, but had several short kicks.
Gibbs, who has missed the past three games with what was initially described by the club as a "low-grade hamstring strain", completed a light kicking session without any sign of discomfort.
None of these playmakers appeared to be wearing any strapping.
However, there was no sign of Yarran, who is also recovering from a hamstring problem.
In the round six win over Melbourne, the brilliant speedster was subbed off with back and hamstring tightness, which flared again in the opening minutes the next round against St Kilda, resulting in another substitution. He was ruled him out of the clash with the Power.
Joint vice-captain Carrazzo has been sidelined for the past three rounds.
Earlier, Blues defender Lachie Henderson told reporters that Carrazzo, Gibbs and Yarran were "day-by-day" propositions.
"They're just a test this week and we'll see how they come up on Friday-Saturday," he said.
Waite's substitution at the last change against the Power raised fears he had suffered another injury. Blues coach Mick Malthouse denied this post-match by saying that "someone has to go (off)", adding that he'd also wanted to inject the "fresh legs" of debutant Troy Menzel.
Asked about how Waite had pulled up from Sunday's game, Henderson said: "Waitey's fine. He's good."
Also difficult to predict is the Lions' form. Just a week ago it appeared the Blues' trip to the Gabba would be a leisurely jaunt, but now it looks a much tougher prospect after the Lions' giant-killing performance against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
The game will also give Carlton a chance to exact some revenge for its loss to the Lions in the NAB Cup Grand Final.
"They played some really good footy (against Essendon) and beat a … quality side, so we're going to have to be at our best this week," Henderson said.
"Vossy (Lions coach Michael Voss) spoke about their aggression at the footy and winning that contested ball, so in think they'll come out this week and play the same sort of footy."
