Geelong have ruled out footsore star Steve Johnson for Friday's AFL clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
Scans have cleared the triple All-Australian midfielder of bone damage and teammate Tom Lonergan says the Cats are confident Johnson isn't facing a long stint on the sidelines.
"I'm aware he's not playing this week," Lonergan told a media conference on Thursday.
"Hopefully, he'll be back next week.
"I don't think it's anything too serious."
Third-placed Geelong are locked with Sydney and ladder leaders Hawthorn on 15 wins with three rounds remaining.
Geelong have won their past six games and enjoy a 5-0 winning streak in matches against Carlton.
However, their previous meeting on June 6 resulted in only a five-point win for the Cats.
"They've got a terrific midfield - Chris Judd, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs," Lonergan said.
"Jarrad Waite up forward's going well.
"They've got a lot of star power."
Lonergan says the 13th-placed Blues, who are out of finals contention with a 7-12 win-loss record, are playing without pressure.
Carlton have beaten North Melbourne and Gold Coast and lost to Fremantle by nine points in Perth in the past three rounds.
"It seems like the shackles have been released. Finals are out of reach and they're just playing footy now," Lonergan said.
"They're looking to take scalps. We're wary of that."
Lonergan said Josh Caddy, who was out for eight games before returning from a foot injury in round 14, and Allen Christensen, missing the first 13 rounds because of back surgery, had been key figures in Geelong's run of good form.
"Having Caddy and 'Bundy' Christensen back, they've been exceptional inside players," Lonergan said.
"They get it out to the boys on the outside."
Tall defender Lonergan says he's not sure if himself or fellow backman Harry Taylor might get the role on Waite who has booted 12 goals in the past three rounds.
"He's a very athletic player. He loves to jump at the ball and he's very agile," Lonergan said.
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