Click HERE to view the Dean Laidley Press Conference

UNLESS he makes a convincing recovery, North Melbourne forward Nathan Thompson will be sidelined for Sunday's clash with Carlton at Telstra Dome.

The 30-year-old injured an ankle in last weekend's 20-point win over the Western Bulldogs, but returned to the field to see out the game and kick an important goal for his side after the three-quarter time siren.

The latest injury continues a tough trot for Thompson, who is out of contract at season's end but has voiced his intention to continue his career into a 12th year.

With ongoing speculation regarding a new deal for the big man, Roos coach Dean Laidley said he was unlikely to promote his cause this weekend.

"Look, it's not really about that (his future) – he'll have trouble this week, because he's probably going to have trouble coming up with his ankle," he said from Arden Street on Thursday.

"[It's] unfortunate to get an ankle injury at this time of the year.

"We'll give him probably until Saturday, we've got match committee this afternoon.

"We'll speak with our medical people to decide whether to give him to Saturday morning after training, or we'll rule him out and give someone else an opportunity."

Thompson had missed the three games before the win over the Dogs, omitted for the round 16 match against Collingwood and then forced to have minor knee surgery.

Earlier in the season, he sat out two matches to have an arthroscopy on the reconstructed knee that sidelined him for all of 2007.

Thompson said this week that, despite his recent injuries, his body feels good and hopes North Melbourne will support his efforts to resume in 2009.

And Laidley confirmed that Thompson is aware of his direction.

"It's an ongoing process, I've spoken to Nathan and continue to speak to Nathan," he said.

"I'm sure we'll sort it out in due course."

Laidley also revealed that chief ruckman Hamish McIntosh was likely to return to play the Blues, his first match since injuring a knee in round 12.