Carlton key defender Jacob Weitering will return via the VFL this week as he works his way back from a calf issue.
Weitering hasn't played football since Round 12 against Geelong, and has suffered setbacks throughout his rehabilitation.
But with the Blues firing and heading towards an unlikely Wildcard Round finish, caretaker coach Josh Fraser opted not to rush back his vice-captain for Sunday's mouth-watering clash against St Kilda.
"Jacob has progressed well," Fraser said.
"He'll be available to play some minutes in the VFL this week. With all these situations and decision-making around players returning, it's always done with what's best for the player in mind.
"Weiters has done an enormous job with his rehab. I think all our Carlton supporters should hear the work he's put in to get himself back to playing. He'll continue to progress through the VFL this week.
"He's missed a fairly decent amount of time, and logically this is the right progression for him."
Fraser is yet to confirm his desire to enter the Carlton coaching process.
The former Pie is dealing with the passing of his father last week, and the Blues have granted more time for him to make his decision.
"The clubs have given me some time, which I appreciate given what the last week has entailed," Fraser said.
"Most of my thinking has been around the Saints. I'll have a discussion next week.
"Some conversations with different people to get the full context of what the job entails. I feel like I've got a pretty good handle on that, but if you're in, you're all in. So I've got to make sure that if it's something I'm committed to going through a process for, I'd be all in on that.
"I'm getting close to a decision."
This week, Carlton star duo Jacob Weitering and Jagga Smith joined forces to support Fraser as the next senior coach.
"It means a lot," Fraser said in response to the support from the players.
"There's a lot of people inside our footy club who are doing a lot of work. And the players should be commended for the results we've been able to get it recent times.
"I feel like I've got a strong relationship with our playing group. I'm appreciative of the support they've shown."
