Carlton coach Michael Voss is refusing to use injuries and a five-day break as an excuse ahead of a crucial clash with Port Adelaide.
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Blues ruck Tom De Koning and winger Blake Acres went down during Sunday's hard-fought 19-point victory over North Melbourne.
Carlton took part in the final game last weekend but will return to Marvel Stadium on Friday night to open round 20 against the Power.
Short turnarounds were common early in the season, usually for teams playing on Thursday nights.
But since round 14, five-day breaks have been rare as Friday night matches have kickstarted a weekend.
"We understand the draw doesn't line up exactly how you want it, but we do look forward to playing in really big games," Voss said on Thursday.
"Playing Friday night in front of our fans, that's something as a club we've really embraced.
"If that provides us the opportunity to do that in a really important game, then we'll put our hand up for it.
"We had a few tricky spots against North that we had to manage, so we think we've done that OK and the boys will be ready to go."
De Koning remains in hospital after suffering a collapsed lung and a fractured foot against North, ruling him out at least until the Blues' finals campaign.
Voss confirmed Marc Pittonet would return against the Power to fill De Koning's void in the ruck.
Acres suffered a foot injury against the Kangaroos and won't be risked off the short break, with Voss saying the hard-running 28-year-old had progressed slower in his recovery this week than the Blues would have liked.
"Despite a few changes, we've been reasonably settled over the last little while," Voss said.
"We've been able to reward some VFL form, the squad has been in pretty good form, and that's a healthy position to be in.
"Obviously, we'd like to avoid any injuries, but it does happen."
The Blues have been boosted by the return of defender Mitch McGovern from a hip injury, while fellow backman Brodie Kemp also returns.
Port welcome back Kane Farrell and Lachie Jones, but Todd Marshall is still missing with a hip injury.
Carlton put together a powerful last quarter, led by captain Patrick Cripps, to win their previous match against the Power at the Adelaide Oval back in round 12.
"Last time we played a really poor last quarter around stoppage - and they dominated us," Port coach Ken Hinkley said on Thursday.
"Cripps went to work and he has done that a fair few times this year.
"Our challenge is to keep the game closer to our terms for four quarters and not just three."
Australian Associated Press
