CARLTON could welcome back four players to the fold pending fitness tests this week.

Ahead of the weekend’s Easter Sunday clash with Fremantle, a number of Blues in all areas of the ground could be ready to make their returns to action.

After confirming the availability of co-captain Patrick Cripps this weekend, Director of High Performance Andrew Russell provided an update on the fitness of Jack Silvagni.

02:09

Injury Update | Round 3

Director of High Performance, Andrew Russell, provides an update on Carlton's AFL injury list prior to Round 3.

The forward was the first player in the competition to be medically substituted in 2021 after a shoulder injury in the season opener against Richmond.

“Jack Silvagni’s shoulder has settled down very well,” Russell said.

“He trained [on Tuesday] and he’ll be a test to play: he’s a really strong chance to be available this week.”

01:14

R1 | Hard hits of the week

Adam Saad, Lachie Fogarty and Jack Silvagni feature in the hard hits of the week for Round 1.

In addition to Silvagni’s return, there could be a trio of Blues who play their first games of the season this weekend.

Likely to occur in the VFL, Russell said that Caleb Marchbank, Mitch McGovern and Sam Philp were all in line to make their returns this weekend.

It’s been a long grind for Marchbank, who hasn’t been seen at AFL level since 2019, while McGovern and Philp are on the verge of returning from hamstring/back and hip/groin issues respectively.

“‘Marchy’, ‘Gov’ and Philp have all had extremely high-quality training blocks,” he said.

“We’re really confident about the work they’ve done, they’re looking really good.

“They’ll be tested later this week to see whether they’re available for game play this weekend.”

Player Injury Update
Patrick Cripps Soreness Available for selection.
Charlie Curnow Knee  
Tom De Koning Back "We haven't quite got him back in the ball program. It looks like we'll see him back out there after Round 6."
Zac Fisher Ankle "He's got some bone stress in his ankle. We think at this stage he's going to miss around six weeks." 
Brodie Kemp  Foot  
Caleb Marchbank Reconditioning Test for selection.
Jack Martin Knee  
Mitch McGovern Back Test for selection.
Nic Newman Knee "He's doing a really quality running program. It's unlikely that we'll see him before Round 7 or 8."
Sam Philp Hip/Groin Test for selection.
Jack Silvagni Shoulder Test for selection.