Coach John Longmire says returning veteran Ted Richards is the logical choice to replace injured defender Michael Talia for Sydney’s AFL clash with Carlton on Saturday.

Richards has been sidelined with a calf injury but is ready for a comeback at Etihad Stadium on Sunday after playing almost 80 minutes in a NEAFL practice match last weekend.

“He’s tracking pretty well. Whether he’ll play or not we’re yet to absolutely finalise our decision, but he’s a logical choice,” Longmire said on Wednesday.