CARLTON ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is confident he will be passed fit to take on Essendon on Sunday night, with Thursday's main training session holding the key to his chances.

 

Kreuzer was a late withdrawal from the club's clash with Richmond last Thursday night due to an ongoing foot problem, citing fears of more surgery.

 

But the Blues are planning for Kreuzer to line up against the Bombers, meaning he may have escaped a lengthy stint out of the game.

 

"I'm not sure what all the hype's about, but I ran today and aim to train on Thursday, so I'll put my hand up this week if I'm right to go," Kreuzer told reporters at Visy Park on Monday.

 

The Blues big man completed a solid running session at the club on Monday, but Thursday's main training poses the true test.

 

"If I get through training Thursday and the coaches look at it and see how I'm going. Thursday is the key to it all," Kreuzer said.

 

Blues football manager Andrew McKay said the club would monitor Kreuzer's progress over the next few days.

 

"He's certainly had no signs of any discomfort at all there, so the next progression was to run on the grass and he's obviously done that today," McKay said.

 

"It certainly doesn't mean that he's fit and raring to go just yet, we'll just have to see how he pulls up.

 

"That will be determined probably tomorrow or even the next day, whether he feels any pain through that foot."

 

Kreuzer missed the bulk of the pre-season and spent much of the summer with his foot in a moon boot.

 

McKay said Kreuzer was in the Blues' plans for Sunday but stressed his availability would be determined through the week.  

 

"That's what we're planning for. But he's got to get through the next couple of days without any pain and then full training Thursday," McKay said.