AFL Rd 7 - Essendon v Carlton
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 07 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 02, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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.

“He’s been fairly uninterrupted with his preparation. He’s an absolute pro so that’s given him the best chance to get out there," Voss told media.

“He came off the operation quite well and that’s always a great start, plus he was able to get into his rehab fairly quickly. 

“He’s maybe a week or two ahead of where he should be, but if you ask Harry, he always had an eye on this round.

“We’re pleased he’s back. We’ve done a fantastic job trying to manoeuvre our team around and there’s been some flow-on effects, but we can get our team settled again in the front half and around the ball.”

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.