CARLTON is confident ruckman Matthew Kreuzer will take his place in next week's Marsh Community Series match despite undergoing a heart procedure last week.
The 30-year-old's pre-season preparation won't be impacted by the routine operation and he has already re-joined main training.
Kreuzer endured an elevated heart rate in round 17, 2018, after a heavy tackle brought on shortness of breath that required attention from paramedics.
Missing the next three matches, he had attempted to return in the round 21 clash against Fremantle in Perth before he was a late withdrawal following another scare in the warm-up.
Kreuzer was then sent for a medical procedure and missed the remainder of the season. He did not miss any matches last season from heart complications last season.
The Blues travel west to play Fremantle on February 28 before hosting Brisbane on March 8 at Ikon Park. Kreuzer won't feature in the scratch match against Collingwood at Ikon Park this Thursday.
The Blues recruited Hawthorn big man Marc Pittonet to bolster their ruck stocks in October and also have high hopes for developing 20-year-old Tom De Koning.
