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Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is struggling with illness and could miss the Tigers' blockbuster AFL clash with Carlton.

AFL superstar Dustin Martin is doubtful for Richmond's blockbuster clash with Carlton as he battles illness.

The Tigers will be out for redemption against the Blues on Thursday night after losing to their rivals for the first time in nine years in round one at the MCG.

But Richmond might have to do it without their three-time Norm Smith medallist.

"He's got a bit of a lurgy at the moment," Tigers coach Damien Hardwick told Fox Footy's AFL 360.

"He didn't train (on Monday), he's not particularly well at the moment as there's a bit of flu going around.

"He's got a couple of days to get better, and hopefully with some medication he gets up and about.

"He's probably doubtful so we'll wait and see how he goes.

"He's a fair beast, Dustin, so a 30 per cent Dustin Martin is still probably better than most."

Martin has been back to his rampaging best since returning from a six-game stint on the sidelines due to personal leave.

Richmond will enter the round 14 encounter in ninth on the ladder with a 7-5 record after edging Port Adelaide by 12 points last Thursday night.

The potential loss of Martin could be partly offset by the possible return of star forward Tom Lynch, who is in line to play after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Carlton are flying at 9-3 and are pushing to break through for their first finals appearance since 2013.