NORTH Melbourne is "very optimistic" vice-captain Robbie Tarrant will be fit for Saturday night's clash against Carlton at Blundstone Arena.

Tarrant was a late withdrawal from North's loss to Melbourne last Saturday because of a hamstring injury.

After that game, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Tarrant's injury was "not severe … it's not even really a strain, but there's a neural component to it, which presents a lot of risk."

North football manager Cameron Joyce told the club's website on Tuesday Tarrant was expected to prove his fitness at training this week.

"It was very much precautionary," Joyce said of Tarrant's late withdrawal.

"We did a fitness test with him before the game last week and weren't prepared to take the risk.

"But looking at this week, we're very optimistic of having him back."

Tarrant is the Kangaroos' best key defender and, if fit, will likely man Blues spearhead Levi Casboult this round.