Sore Blues Stars Curnow, Weitering Set to Face Dogs Carlton will welcome back key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay for their blockbuster clash with the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night. Both players missed last week’s loss to Fremantle with respective groin and ankle injuries, but have been cleared to return against the reigning premiers. “They’ve both trained really well, they’re fit and available,” Carlton coach David Teague said. “It’s great to have them back and I’m looking forward to seeing them play.” Curnow has been in scintillating form this season, kicking 13 goals in four games. McKay has also been a key target, booting 12 majors in five appearances. Teague said the return of his star forwards would give the Blues a much-needed boost. “They’re both dangerous players and they’ll both give us a really good target up forward,” Teague said. “It’s important for us to have our best players available, and we’re certainly better with them in the team.” However, the Blues will be without star defender Jacob Weitering, who suffered a calf strain at training on Wednesday. Weitering is expected to miss at least a fortnight, which is a major blow for Carlton’s defense. “It’s disappointing for Jacob, but we’ll get him right and get him back as soon as we can,” Teague said. “We’ve got some other good players who can come in and play, so we’ll be alright.” The Bulldogs will also be without a key defender, with Alex Keath ruled out with a hamstring injury. Keath has been in excellent form for the Dogs this season, and his absence will be a major boost for the Blues’ forwards. “Alex is a really good player and he’s been playing well for them,” Teague said. “But we’ve got some good forwards who can hopefully take advantage of his absence.” The Blues and Bulldogs are both sitting at 4-3 this season, and a win on Saturday night would be a major boost to their top-eight hopes.Carlton coach Michael Voss anticipates Charlie Curnow and Jacob Weitering to play against the Western Bulldogs despite the Blues stars experiencing soreness after their surprising loss to GWS.Carlton coach Michael Voss anticipates Charlie Curnow and Jacob Weitering to play against the Western Bulldogs despite the Blues stars experiencing soreness after their surprising loss to GWS. Mitch McGovern (hip flexor) has been sidelined for up to two weeks, but Curnow and Weitering will push through to face the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. Dual Coleman medalist Curnow only managed one goal against the Giants, while ace fullback Weitering was similarly limited after sustaining a corked thigh early in the match. “Curnow was certainly impacted last week, there’s no doubt about that,” Voss said on Friday. “But he’s been able to train so he’s right to go. “A bit unfortunate with a couple of knocks last week early in the game with a couple of our boys, but they seem to have pulled up OK. “Early in the week, we weren’t 100% sure, but they were able to train (Thursday) and got through the training session, so we expect them to play.” Voss has no intention of resting any injured stars heading into the finals, despite the Blues sitting second and in a position to finish in the top four for the first time since 2000. “We just play eyes in every single week that we play. The competition is just too good to think otherwise,” he said. Carlton captain Patrick Cripps will play his 200th game, and Voss has not ruled out the possibility of a one-on-one battle with fellow superstar Marcus Bontempelli. “It’d be a great match-up, wouldn’t it,” Voss said. “The ‘Bont’ is a critically important player and he’s one of those players we do admire from a distance. “It’s going to be a big job for our midfield and they obviously have a number of other players in there (such as Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore) that can have an influence as well.”Sore Blues stars Charlie Curnow and Sam Weitering are set to face the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Curnow has been battling a knee injury, while Weitering has been dealing with a foot problem. But both players have been cleared to play and will be a welcome addition to the Blues’ side. Curnow is the Blues’ leading goalkicker this season, with 22 majors to his name. Weitering is one of the Blues’ best defenders and has been in solid form this season. The Blues will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Gold Coast Suns last week. The Bulldogs will be a tough opponent, but the Blues will be confident of victory with Curnow and Weitering back in the side.