The Blues' No.1 big man was originally expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a fractured thumb but that layoff period has now been slashed to just three or four weeks.
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Carlton's football operations Andrew McKay revealed that surgery, which had involved the insertion of a plate, had been a success.
"He will be probably missing for three to four weeks, not seven or eight, because they were able to stabilise that bone really well," he told the carltonfc.com.au.
Kreuzer, 23, suffered the injury after falling on it during the first quarter of Saturday night's clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium, which the Blues lost by 16 points. He was substituted out of the game by quarter-time.
To the relief of Blues fans, McKay said Eddie Betts (jaw) and Jarrad Waite (calf) could be available for the round-five clash with Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
However, the news wasn't all good for Carlton.
Marcus Davies sustained a grade one hamstring strain against the Cats and is likely to miss the next two matches.
Impressive draftee Nick Graham has also been placed on the long-term injury list as he rehabilitates a knee problem.
Graham's place on the Blues' primary list is likely to be taken by one of three rookies: Andrew Collins, Frazer Dale or Jaryd Cachia. McKay said there was no rush to make that decision.
Tom Bell was elevated to the senior list earlier this year after Andrew McInnes (knee) was placed on the long-term injury list.
