CARLTON skipper Marc Murphy has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Brisbane Lions, but coach Brendon Bolton has refuted suggestions he may be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Murphy has missed the past 11 weeks with a serious ankle injury he sustained against Geelong at Etihad Stadium in round 10.

"That syndesmosis (injury) is one that's really niggling and has been really frustrating, so it's hard to put a timeline on," Bolton said.

"It's just about how he's responding week to week, but 'Murph's' starting to train with the group now so we're really hopeful before the end of the year he plays.

"Marc's our captain and we do all we can to prepare him to play, and if and when he's fit to play then we'll play him."

Bolton said it has been a frustrating time for Murphy, but added it had been a chance for the Blues' captain to exert his influence in other ways.

"What I would say about 'Murph' is his investment in our leadership meetings, in developing our youngsters – and in particular Dave Cuningham – he's had a real focus on that and he's done it with real energy," Bolton said.

Cuningham (pick No.23) and fellow top draft pick Harry McKay (No.10) are hoping to join Jacob Weitering (No.1), Charlie Curnow (No.12) and Jack Silvagni (No.53) in playing this season.

But Bolton said there was no point rushing Cuningham or McKay if they weren't ready to play at senior level.

"It would be great to have our whole draft class have played, but they've had a few niggling injuries as well," Bolton said.

"You earn the opportunity, I've said that all year, and I won't be changing that.

"He's a talented player (Cuningham), he's really good in and around stoppages and we hope he'll be a long-term player for us."

The Blues have lost their past eight games, but start favourites against the struggling Lions at the Gabba on Saturday.

St Kilda inflicted Carlton's heaviest loss of the season in a 71-point drubbing at the MCG on Sunday.

"We played a little fatigued on the weekend, but in saying that St Kilda came with real pressure and moved the ball really well," Bolton said.

"The great thing about footy is we're on a six-day break, we get to travel as a group and we get to respond, and our players are really eager to respond after our performance on the weekend."