Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia will be available to take on the Blues this Saturday if deemed fit following the Bombers’ training session on Thursday. 

Having returned to group training last week after overcoming a low-grade quad strain, the 24-year-old will again face fitness testing before match committee declare him available for selection. 

“Orazio is coming into his fourth week of rehab following a low-grade quad strain. He continues to track well having integrated back in with the group last week,” head of medical services David Rundle said. 

“Taking all things into consideration following last week’s main skills session, we felt he would benefit from another week of training before potentially returning to play. A decision on his availability to play Carlton will be made following training tomorrow.”

The club remains hopeful of an on-field return for Dyson Heppell this season, after the skipper underwent surgery last week. 

“Dyson had his ankle caught in a tackle late in our main skills session on Friday and sustained a fracture. He had a screw inserted to stabilise the fracture on Saturday and he will be in a boot for the next four weeks,” Rundle said. 

“Whilst it is too early to put a definitive timeline on his return to play, we are hopeful he will return before the end of the season.” 

Rundle also provided an update on youngsters Sam Draper (ACL) and Noah Gown (foot).

“As I mentioned last week, Sam is in great shape. He has integrated well into full training sessions. We would like him to train without restriction for the next two weeks before looking to participate in the practice matches,” he said. 

“Noah Gown has been progressing well and has been training fully with the main group. He too will require another two weeks of full training before we consider him for practice matches.”

Meanwhile, Kobe Mutch has increased his running loads after recovering from concussion and wrist surgery. 

“Kobe has recovered well from his concussion and has followed the protocols for returning to exercise. He had surgery last Tuesday to insert a screw across the fracture in his wrist," Rundle said.

“He will be able to start light ball handling next week and in the meantime is building up his running loads.”