EXPECT to see some familiar faces - and some relatively fresh ones - back in action this weekend.

Carlton is set to welcome back Jack Carroll, Tom De Koning, Nic Newman and Luke Parks to some form of football this Sunday.

With both AFL and VFL sides to take on Essendon this week, Director of High Performance Andrew Russell confirmed that the quartet would be available for selection this coming weekend.

It’ll be a long time coming for both De Koning and Newman, with the duo to play their first games of the season. In Newman’s case, it will be his first in nearly 12 months.

“Nic Newman, De Koning, ‘Parksy’ and Jack Carroll all trained today. They’ll train fully on Thursday,” Russell said.

“All of them have had a really good block of work over the last month.

“We expect all four to be available and play some level of football this week.”

Russell said the Blues were as yet unsure on whether Jack Silvagni would join the returnees this weekend.

Having made progress in his return from shoulder surgery, Russell said a call on Silvagni’s availability would be made later in the week.

“Jack’s shoulder has settled down really well: he’s really pleased and we’re pleased with how it looks and how it feels,” he said.

“He trained today and moved well, he’ll train again on Thursday.

“He’s got a few boxes to tick to be available but he’ll be a test later in the week.”