Dempsey copped a heavy knock running back into a marking contest with Sydney defender Nick Smith in Saturday’s loss to the Swans.
Football Operations Manager Steve Alessio said Dempsey would be assessed throughout the week in the lead up to Friday night’s blockbuster.
“He went to hospital after the game, they did scans there and it is great to say there is no broken ribs, punctured lung or internal damage to any organs,” Alessio said.
“He was at training this morning and the best case scenario he still might play this week otherwise we are looking at next week for Courtenay.”
Michael Hurley (ankle) and Ben Howlett (shoulder) are both expected to line up on Friday night after missing the clash with the Swans.
“Benny hurt his shoulder in a big crunch the week before and did marvelously well to get up and be prepared for the game.”
“The day before he had a couple of issues and it was just better to rest him to make sure he was onehundred per cent and ready to go for Carlton this week,”
Hurley trained with the team last Thursday and flew to Sydney but a decision was made not to risk the key forward.
“Hurls was very close to playing, he just missed out,” Alessio said.
“We had to be one hundred per cent sure with Hurls before the Sydney game so we are expecting him to train fully this week and be right to go.”
“We are at that stage in the year where we have a lot of important games coming up and we need to make sure we manage our list appropriately.”
Scott Gumbleton and Leroy Jetta both rolled their ankle against the Swans but there are no major concerns about their chances of lining up on Friday night.
“Unfortunately for Scott he rolled his ankle early and then the weather and conditions weren’t ideal for the Sydney game with the wet weather.”
“He was subbed out early to look after his ankle.”
“With Jet he had a bit of work, nothing major and both guys we would be expecting to train most of the week.”
Midfielder Dyson Heppell today had precautionary scans on a sore ankle that is not expected to hamper his preparations for Friday night.
“He has had an ankle that has been giving him a few hassles for the last couple of weeks so it was just a precautionary scan to see if anything has changed there,” Alessio said.
“He was doing recovery training this morning so all good for Hepp and he should be right to go.”
