Adelaide key defender Josh Worrell will be sidelined for at least two months following successful surgery on his fractured forearm on Monday.
Worrell's arm was caught in a tackle during Sunday's draw against Brisbane in the third term and didn't play out the remainder of the game.
The 23-year-old has been in stellar form and will begin rehabilitation next week after.
Adelaide's high-performance manager Darren Burgess was "disappointed" with the outcome given how well Worrell was playing.
โWe're all very disappointed for Josh because he was playing some fantastic footy,โย Burgess said.
โUnfortunately the nature of the injury has required surgery and that will mean he will be sidelined for the next two to three months while allowing it to fully recover.
โJosh has worked really hard to become a regular and important part of the team and I expect him to carry the same attitude into his rehab and we look forward to him returning.โ
One-on-one with Cam Rayner inside 50, Josh Worrell is up to the task ๐ช@cryptocom | #AFLCrowsLions pic.twitter.com/e9kedFCXfa
— AFL (@AFL) May 12, 2024
Coach Matthew Nicks shared a similar feeling post-game after admitting the left-footer "had taken his game to another level".
"More so disappointment for a guy who taken his game to another level," Nicks said.
"And he's gone there because he's worked so hard and he's a professional.
"And for Joshy, it's taken a little bit of time to get there so as a coach, you're over the moon about what he's been able to do with his game and he's going to be something exciting and important for our footy club.
"That moment I can see the replay and I feel for him that now he has to go through some rehabilitation.
"You feel for the individual."
Worrell has been a big improver for the Crows, averaging 17.7 disposals, 5.8 marks, 6 spoils and an impressive 22.7% contested defensive loss rate.
Adelaide will turn their attention to Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday as they continue to resurrect their season.
