CARLTON is hopeful Jack Martin will be out of action for only one game after sustaining a low-grade calf injury.

Martin came from the ground in the second quarter of Sunday’s clash at Optus Stadium and didn’t return for the rest of the game.

Director of High Performance Andrew Russell confirmed that Martin’s injury would keep him out of Saturday’s game against Fremantle.

However, he was hopeful that Martin would return for Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Gold Coast next Friday night.

“He had some tightness in his calf: it was pretty smart by him to come off at that time,” Russell said.

“We expect him to miss one or two weeks: we’ll see how he settles in the next few weeks and whether he’s ready for Darwin.

“I know he’s really excited about playing that game so hopefully he gets up for that. If not, it’ll certainly be the week after.”

Russell said the Blues were expecting to be bolstered by the availability of Harry McKay, who missed the clash with the Eagles due to a knee injury.

Carlton’s reigning leading goalkicker sustained the injury late in the Round 9 clash with Hawthorn.

“Harry has settled really well. He fell on that knee right on the area of inflammation,” he said.

“He has done two really good running sessions, he’ll train today and Thursday: we expect him to be up and firing come Saturday.”

Russell also ruled out returns for Mitch McGovern and David Cuningham, with the duo to undergo conditioning blocks in readiness for the Round 13 match against Gold Coast at TIO Stadium.