MITCH McGovern could return to action on Sunday against West Coast.

McGovern missed Friday’s game against Hawthorn, with Carlton’s ‘bye’ to take place mid-week as the festival of footy continues.

After a low-grade hamstring injury restricted him from returning to the field against North Melbourne, Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said McGovern was a chance to return this weekend.

“Mitch is progressing well. He is doing some really good-quality running, some change of direction and some kicking,” Russell said.

“He is going to be close, he’s a test. He may get there, he may not.”

The Blues’ forward line will be without David Cuningham, however.

Cuningham, who kicked the opening goal of the game against the Hawks, reported some calf tightness following the Round 9 contest.

“He has got a low-grade calf injury so we think he will probably miss one game,” Russell said.

“It may be two, but at this stage we hope it will only be one.”

In welcome news, Caleb Marchbank looks likely to tick off a long-awaited return to action on Sunday.

After a frustrating run with a knee injury, Russell said the expectation was Marchbank would return in a reserves scratch match on Sunday.

“‘Marchy’ has had a great week,” he said.

“He did a game simulation session last week with the reserves guys because they didn’t have a game.

“He’ll train this week and we expect to see him out playing some good game in the reserves game on Sunday versus West Coast.”