STAR midfielder Patrick Cripps is expected to play in Carlton's final JLT Community Series game against Fremantle on Friday night after making a successful return against St Kilda on Saturday.

After being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his lower back in late November, Cripps has been locked in a race against time to be fit for Carlton's round one blockbuster against Richmond on Thursday, March 23.

The 195cm midfielder missed the Blues' opening JLT loss to Melbourne but played almost a half in their 92-point loss to St Kilda at Ikon Park, finishing with seven possessions.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton told AFL.com.au Cripps had pulled up well immediately after Saturday's game and – barring an injury setback – was on track to play in round one. 

"He's ticked all the boxes at the moment. After the game he said he was fine, but we'll see how he pulls up during the week," Bolton said.

"It's his first hit-out. He's had an interrupted pre-season and there's nothing like playing a game.

"But provided there are no further hiccups, he should be fine for round one."

Bolton said the Blues planned to play Cripps against Fremantle at Domain Stadium despite a six-day break, and would look to increase his game time.

"We had him on modified game time (against St Kilda), he only played a bit under a half of football. So provided he pulls up OK, which we think he will, we'll extend that (against Freo) and keep building towards round one," the Blues coach said.

The Blues suffered a pair of fresh injuries against the Saints, with second-year forward Charlie Curnow (shoulder) and defender Dylan Buckley (hip) both failing to finish the match.

Bolton said both players would undergo scans this week, but he did not think either would be sidelined for long, if at all. 

"I don't think they'll be long-term injuries. Whether or not they miss a game this week, I'm unsure," he said.

"We'll have to wait and see until they're scanned."