Carlton midfielder Mitch Robinson is in a race against time to prove his fitness for Friday’s match against North Melbourne.

Robinson’s troublesome shoulder kept him out of the Blues’ victory over St Kilda in Round 16 and he'll face a fitness test later in the week to prove his availability.

Meanwhile, Jarrad Waite will miss a game against North for the third consecutive season as his knee continues to recover from bone bruising.

It's likely Lachlan Henderson will continue his role up forward after starting the season as a key defender.