MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Caleb Marchbank of the Blues kicks the ball but misses during the round 18 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Key Carlton pair Matthew Kreuzer and Caleb Marchbank are expected to be available for selection for the Blues when they take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium in round three.

Carlton coach Brendan Bolton revealed the two had come “really close” to selection for the side’s round two Saturday twilight clash with Port Adelaide.

Veteran ruckman Kreuzer underwent a minor procedure to his knee in late January, while tall defender Marchbank has been battling a back complaint.

“We just want a little bit more training into them. Their injuries are both pretty good now so they’re training,” Bolton told reporters at Melbourne Airport on Friday before his side’s flight to Adelaide.

“(Director of high performance) Andrew Russell’s saying another week, so I’m pretty confident they’ll play next week.”

Andrew Phillips will continue with ruck responsibilities in round two in Kreuzer’s absence, while Jacob Weitering, Lachie Plowman and Liam Jones will hold the fort down back.