Blues forward Harry McKay has been confirmed to face Essendon on Friday night in what has been a stunning turnaround in his recovery from a knee injury.
On Thursday Carlton coach Michael Voss confirmed McKay would be included into his side to face their arch-rivals in what will be a huge boost for the Princes Park club.
The 24-year-old suffered a lateral meniscus tear in the club's Round 8 win over the Crows and hasn't featured in the navy blue since.
McKay was originally expected to miss at least six weeks but looks set to return ahead of schedule after spending just four weeks on the sideline.
The reigning Coleman medallist has increased his workload during the Blues' bye week in his rehabilitation but will need to get through main training this week before being considered for selection.
โHeโs been fairly uninterrupted with his preparation. Heโs an absolute pro so thatโs given him the best chance to get out there," Voss told media.
โHe came off the operation quite well and thatโs always a great start, plus he was able to get into his rehab fairly quickly.ย
โHeโs maybe a week or two ahead of where he should be, but if you ask Harry, he always had an eye on this round.
โWeโre pleased heโs back. Weโve done a fantastic job trying to manoeuvre our team around and thereโs been some flow-on effects, but we can get our team settled again in the front half and around the ball.โ
Welcome back, H.
Michael Voss has confirmed in his press conference that Harry McKay will return to AFL action tomorrow night.
More to come.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 9, 2022
The return of McKay will be a huge boost for the side, which has been rocked by injuries in the past month and will be hoping to return to winning ways this weekend.
The return will see McKay and fellow key forward Charlie Curnow, who have combined for 57 goals this season, reunited. With the duo becoming one of the deadliest key forward one-two combinations in the league.
