CARLTON is set to receive a big boost at the selection table this Thursday.

After missing the last two games since the bye, the Blues are set to welcome captain Patrick Cripps and Harry McKay to the fold.

Cripps has been out of action since sustaining a foot injury against the Western Bulldogs in Round 13.

However, Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said that the midfield bull is expected to make his return for Saturday’s trip to the MCG.

“Cripps looks like his foot has settled well: he trained today and moved really well,” Russell said.

“He’ll train on Thursday and at this stage, we expect him to play against the Swans on Saturday which is good news.”

Cripps’ importance to his side can’t be understated, particularly against this weekend’s opponent: he collected 28 disposals and received eight votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year the last time the Blues and Swans met in Round 3.

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Similarly, key forward McKay is a prospective inclusion for his first trip to the SCG.

“Harry McKay trained really strongly: he moved well and his groin has settled down well,” Russell said.

“We expect him to play against the Swans on Saturday.”

McKay took six contested marks against Sydney at Marvel Stadium, and is Carlton’s current leading goalkicker for season 2019 (19 goals).