Despite escaping a ban for making contact with an umpire last weekend, Carlton forward Charlie Curnow will still miss the Blues' clash with Melbourne on Sunday.

Curnow has a tight quad and will miss Carlton's clash, which will mean young forward Pat Kerr will make his debut.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton confirmed the news in a press conference on Saturday morning.

Carlton were unsure of Curnow's availability until late on Thursday afternoon, after the AFL challenged the Tribunal's decision to let both Curnow brothers off with just a fine for touching an umpire.

Ed Curnow was eventually handed a one-match ban, while Charlie was still cleared for his incident.

Charlie will join his brother on the sidelines for round nine, while Kerr with join captain Marc Murphy as the Blues' two inclusions.