CARLTON spearhead Charlie Curnow has been ruled out of the Blues' season opener against Richmond as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.

But the Blues hold out hope the gun forward will be available as early as round two, after he recently returned to full training.

Coach Michael Voss confirmed to the club's fans at an open training on Sunday that his charges would take on the Tigers without Curnow at the MCG on Thursday night.

Carlton said it was opting to ensure the 28-year-old, who had knee surgery in February, "benefits from an additional block of full training" rather than rushing him back.

The back end of his 2024 was ruined by an ankle injury and he had both knee and ankle surgery over the off-season.

In Curnow's absence, fellow big man Harry McKay will lead Carlton's attack, but the Blues will be desperate to have one of the League's best forwards available in a tough start to the season.

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After Richmond, they take on red-hot Hawthorn in round two, followed by games against the Western Bulldogs and arch-rivals Collingwood.

Teammate Adam Cerra was hopeful midfielder Sam Walsh (hamstring) would be cleared for round one, noting he had trained strongly, and Curnow would soon be in the mix too.

"We know the calibre of players they are, which obviously makes a big difference," he said.

"But on top of that, they're two of the vice-captains of this group.

"So in terms of the leadership sense, what they provide on the field isn't purely just their football ability, but also the ability to help others and really bring confidence within the group.

"So, we definitely can't wait to have them both there."

The Blues are eyeing a response to last season's meek elimination final exit, when they were trounced by eventual premier Brisbane at the Gabba.

They are adamant they are premiership contenders, but wary of looking too far ahead.

"We believe so, but I think every team does at this point of the year," Cerra said.

"We're fully aware the more we take our eyes off the present, how this game will humble you.

"So, for us, it's just trying to get a good start to the year this Thursday night, staying together, working hard and playing some consistent footy.

"And we know if we do that, the result at the end of the year will look after itself.

"But there's no point looking too far ahead at the moment."