ST KILDA discard Hugh Goddard is in line for his Carlton debut this weekend, with the former first-round draft pick firming as the man to replace Liam Jones in a depleted Blues backline.

Carlton is set to take a cautious approach with Jones, who suffered a concussion following a sickening head clash with North Melbourne's Cam Zurhaar on Sunday.

It will likely leave the in-form key defender unavailable for this weekend's crucial clash with bitter rivals Collingwood at the MCG, which coincides with a short six-day break.

Jones was taken to hospital after the incident, but was discharged on Sunday night, with scans giving the 28-year-old the all-clear of any damage to the head, neck or spine.

However, he sustained a significant concussion and a cut above his eye following the incident and remains unlikely to recover in time for this weekend's clash with the Pies.

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Despite landing near the astroturf section of Marvel Stadium's boundary following the collision, Carlton does not believe the surface played any significant part in Jones' injury.

His absence could mean a second chance for Goddard, with the 198cm defender impressing throughout the first month of the season with Carlton's VFL affiliate the Northern Blues.

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The 22-year-old was delisted by St Kilda last year, before being claimed by Carlton with the first selection of the NAB AFL Rookie Draft last November.

He was best on ground in the Northern Blues' victory over North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Sunday, and is averaging 15.5 disposals and 6.8 marks per game throughout the first month of the VFL season.

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Goddard played 10 games for St Kilda after he was selected with pick No.21 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

Carlton is also hopeful it will regain Matthew Kreuzer from an adductor strain this weekend, as well as key forward Mitch McGovern from hamstring tightness. Both missed Sunday's disappointing 58-point loss to the struggling North Melbourne.

However, important defensive duo Kade Simpson (hamstring) and Nic Newman (knee) likely remain a fortnight away.