CARLTON is confident Matthew Kreuzer will be available for selection next week, despite being forced to miss this Sunday's clash with Hawthorn as a result of a raised heart rate.
Kreuzer left the field just minutes into Carlton's clash with St Kilda last Friday night, having reported a shortness of breath and an elevated heartbeat to the club's medical team.
He was the second Blues player in as many weeks to fail to finish a game due to a concerning heart issue, with defender Caleb Marchbank doing likewise a week earlier.
However, while Marchbank played the next game, Kreuzer will miss Sunday's match against the Hawks, having met a cardiologist during the week.
But despite the worry, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton said the 29-year-old was feeling OK.
"It's important to understand that from all reports, Matty is fine," Bolton said.
"The cardiologist suggested to give it another week and we have to act on medical advice.
"With all of our players, their welfare is paramount. But he's fine, they just said another week would be a good result."
Although he will sit out this Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium, Kreuzer has still trained regularly with the main group throughout the week on the advice of his heart specialist.
"They like them to still push along a bit," Bolton said.
"It's not ridiculous, but they don't want people to stop in those scenarios. They think he's pretty good, but it's just smart to give it another week."
Carlton has named Matthew Lobbe for his club debut in Kreuzer's absence, with the former Port Adelaide ruckman hoping to recapture his best form on his AFL return.
Lobbe had been regarded as one of the League's best ruckman following a strong 2014 season with the Power, but has played just 28 games in nearly four years since.
He was traded to the Blues in exchange for the 95th pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, but has enjoyed an impressive run of form with Carlton's VFL team to earn his place in the side.
"Most of us can recall a few years back when Port were up and about," Bolton said.
"His first-use in the ruck … he's got a good leap and he gets his hands on it first quite often.
"He's had to persevere this year with some injury and with some inconsistency. But he's built on his game.
"He's also brings good leadership. He's a good organiser on the field, so we're happy to have him in. I'm really keen to see how that goes."
Experienced forward Levi Casboult also returns to Carlton's team this week, having missed the last two games after he was dropped from the senior side.
"The one thing we know Levi brings when he's right is those strong contested marks," Bolton said.
"If you don't mark it, bring it to the front. Most coaches in the AFL would say that.
"We require Levi to give us a strong contest in one-on-ones or in pack situations and get the ball to the front."