After sitting out the fourth quarter with an undisclosed problem, Carlton fans were worried Matthew Kreuzer had suffered another serious injury.

Assistant coach Dale Amos has cleared the air, revealing the ruckman had some “awareness” in his right adductor, which led to the decision to bench him.

Amos added that Kreuzer is a chance to play this week against North Melbourne.

“It was one of those ones where he had some awareness and the decision was made that the risk was far greater than the reward of putting him back out there,” he told SEN Afternoons.

“Hopefully that’s an indication that it wasn’t too bad and he’s a chance to play this week.”

Kreuzer had a huge impact while Carlton was on top of the Hawks, winning 30 hit-outs, 13 disposals, nine clearances and a goal, despite sitting out the final term.

“His first half was phenomenal. It was probably as good as I’ve seen him play in my four years here,” Amos said.

“His follow up work and ability to win the ball, he clearly had an influence on the game so the sooner we get him back out there the better.”

Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe are both fit and available in the VFL if Kreuzer can’t take on Todd Goldstein this weekend.

Follow @NicNegrepontis