Both players are looking to return from quad injuries but are up against a host of teammates vying for a spot including Lachie Henderson, Shaun Grigg and Brock McLean.
"It's been helpful for our squad. We've got a lot of players back this week, so that makes selection nice and hard," assistant coach Matthew Lappin said on Thursday.
"It keeps our opposition guessing a bit about what the make-up of our side is going to be, and we'll see how the boys get through training today.
"If they've freshened up well, we might not make too many changes but we'll wait and see."
On Wednesday, coach Brett Ratten indicated Bower was more likely to line up in the VFL with the club taking a cautious approach to his second quad injury this season.
Lappin, who is the Blues' forward line coach, said it was hard to ignore Henderson's eight-goal, 30-possession, 16-mark game in the VFL last week.
"It was a great game. It was pleasing for him and we were rapt to see a young key forward at our footy club put in a performance like that," he said.
McLean has played six games for the Blues this year after battling for form and with a hip injury.
Lappin said the former Demon could be considered this week after addressing the deficiencies highlighted by his coaches.
"His form was really good at VFL level last week and he's in the mix," he said.
"He's had to go back and work on some things, just getting across the ground a little bit better and getting quicker with some of his decisions.
"It's stuff he's worked on with the midfield coaches and the fitness staff. He's carried a few injuries this year and we just want to make sure, when we bring him back into the side, he can play to his maximum."
Forward Brad Fisher is moving closer to a senior return just under four months after having his right knee reconstructed for the second time.
The 26-year-old underwent the LARS reconstructive procedure after partially tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the first round of the NAB Cup.
"He's going really well. He's been a great story for our footy club," Lappin said.
"The surgery has been terrific. He's walking around the place and is really excited and happy with how his body feels.
"He's played a couple of good, solid games at VFL level now so he's probably another two or three weeks away from pushing for selection."
Carlton will enter Friday night's clash with North unfazed about skipper Brent Harvey's comments regarding Carlton's targeting of players.
Harvey said in the Herald Sun on Thursday that the Blues could be made to pay the price for trying to intimidate the young Roos as they did with Melbourne last week.
"It happens at every club every week. We get guys who are targeted and it's just part of the game," Lappin said.
"Players get attention and the good players deal with it. I'm sure some of our boys will cop it and some of the Kangaroos boys will cop it."
