Carlton’s task of causing a boilover in the west has been hit by a massive injury blow, with an ex-Docker also racing to be fit to face his former side.

The Blues have won seven of their past eight clashes against the Dockers, with spearhead Charlie Curnow proving vital - kicking 12 goals in his past three games against them.

But he won’t be there on Sunday after it was revealed he pulled up sore following Carlton’s loss to Hawthorn and failed to train during the week.

“Charlie Curnow is expected to sit out the trip to play Fremantle,” Mitch Cleary reported on Channel 7.

“Curnow pulled up sore from the loss to Hawthorn and failed to join teammates at training yesterday, five days on from that game.”

Despite the Blues’ struggles this season, Curnow has remained one of their best with 32 goals and has not missed a game since round one.

His absence could allow Fremantle to take the safe route with captain Alex Pearce, given the Blues will likely have only Harry McKay as the primary key forward threat.

Pearce has been dealing with shin soreness, playing just one game since May, and was listed as a test to play this weekend. While Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was confident they could bring Pearce back, he admitted it wasn’t without risk.

“I can’t say 100 per cent though. The loads of a game are a lot different to the loads you can put him up to at training,” Longmuir said.

“There’s always that risk but we feel like he’s done the work and he’s in a good spot.”

The Blues could also be without former Docker Adam Cerra, after he was seen with his knee heavily strapped at training this week.

Cerra has averaged more than 27 disposals across his past three games against the Dockers and he would be a massive loss given the calibre of Fremantle’s midfield.