Carlton could regain star midfield duo Patrick Cripps and Marc Murphy for this weekend’s clash with North Melbourne, with the pair both listed as tests heading into the game.

Cripps did not take to the field against Collingwood last weekend, being pulled from the team two days before the game due to soreness.

Carlton Director of High Performance Andrew Russell believes Cripps is more likely to play than not at this stage.

“Patrick had a couple of areas that were sore last week they’ve settled down pretty well,” Russell told the Carlton website.

“He’ll train on Thursday and he’s a test to play; we think he’s a pretty good chance to play this week.”

Murphy has not been sighted at AFL level since suffering a calf injury against Adelaide in Round 15.

Russell says Thursday’s main session will determine whether Murphy returns to the senior side this week.

“‘Murph’ had a really good week last week. The calf has settled down and we’ve been happy with his training,” he said.

“He’ll train on Thursday and we’ll give him a really good, thorough test and then we’ll decide what level we this is appropriate for him to come back.”