YOUNG midfielder David Cuningham is poised to make his long-awaited return to action this weekend.

Cunningham spent the last month on the sidelines after a collision in the Blues Round 1 clash left him with kidney bruising.

Director of High Performance Andrew Russell remains confident the midfielder is fit to return to match play, whether that be in the VFL or with senior selection.

“David Cuningham has missed a month with that kidney bruise,” said Russell.

“He trained fully last week, he’ll train fully this week and then we expect him to play footy this weekend.”

There's been one change made to today's final team. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) 21 April 2019

Charlie Curnow was a late out for the Blues in their Round 6 clash with the Bulldogs, a knock to his bruised knee during training aggravating the injury.

Having played against Gold Coast the week prior, Curnow remains a test for this weekend’s clash in Launceston.

“He pulled up really well the day after the game then we trained him on Thursday and he got a knock on the knee where he had some bone bruising,” he said.

“Bone bruising can be quite difficult to manage, and he’ll be a test to play this week.”

Great news out of the VFL with Macreadie and Williamson both making strong returns. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) 23 April 2019

Defensive duo Harrison Macreadie and Tom Williamson made their VFL returns in the Northern Blues’ win over Collingwood on Saturday.

The pair managed more than 90 minutes of match play, putting them in senior selection contention for the upcoming rounds.

“We’re pretty pleased with the way he’s come back,” he said of Williamson’s return.

“Now it’s just a conditioning and touch issue as to when he’s ready and available to play AFL.”

Carlton take a healthy list into their Round 6 clash with Hawthorn, with fewer players sidelined than any other stage in 2019.

“The injury list has reduced every week and we expect this week to be our lowest number of players that have been out.”