CARLTON is hopeful Matthew Kreuzer and Matthew Kennedy will overcome injuries in time to take on Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.    

Kennedy sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the Blues' loss to Richmond last Thursday night and, after attempting to play on, was ruled out of the match early in the second term.    

Kreuzer suffered a groin injury late in the same game, but played on. His mobility, however, was noticeably restricted.    

The Blues will assess both players over the course of this week, but are understood to remain hopeful they will be fit to play against the Suns.    

Kreuzer, in particular, would be a huge loss for Carlton if he doesn't come up for the Gold Coast clash.    

The 28-year-old has almost singlehandedly led the Blues' ruck division in recent seasons and, if he is ruled out of Saturday's game, fellow ruckmen Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe are unlikely to be rushed back into Carlton's team after injury-interrupted pre-seasons.    

Phillips made his return from ongoing foot problems last Thursday, playing his first game in nine months in a VFL practice match for the Northern Blues against Richmond. However, the former Giant played limited game time and will almost certainly need more games in the VFL before he's ready to step up to senior football.    

Lobbe, who crossed from Port Adelaide in last year's trade period, is a chance to return this week from a quad injury. But, after missing the JLT Community Series, the 29-year-old is also likely to return via the VFL.    

Forward Levi Casboult looms as the Blues' only other experienced replacement for Kreuzer.    

Kennedy crossed from GWS in last year's trade period and debuted for the Blues last Thursday night.    

A natural ball-winner at stoppages, 2015's No.13 draft pick should help cover the hole left in Carlton's midfield by Bryce Gibbs' departure to Adelaide.