Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch is "likely" to miss the remainder of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury.
During Saturday's shock loss to Hawthorn, Crouch suffered an AC joint in his right shoulder, with reports indicating that he'll require surgery.
Despite playing out the entire match, the 29-year-old was sent for scans on the troublesome shoulder and will likely be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Not the news we wanted for Matt...
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) June 3, 2024
Adelaide High-Performance manager Darren Burgess expressed his "disappointment" with the outcome.
"It's really disappointing for Matt who has been playing some great footy this year," Burgess said.
"Unfortunately, the severity of the injury requires surgery and he will miss the rest of the season.
โNot the news that I wantedโ. Crows star midfielder Matt Crouch has received a season-ending setback after suffering a blow to his shoulder in their loss against the Hawks. Hear from the veteran in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfGh39Y #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/PxjJ2l7ntL
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) June 3, 2024
"But the timing of it means he will begin his rehabilitation straight away and be ready for the start of pre-season."
The injury news doesn't stop there, with former captain Taylor Walker all but ruled out for Thursday's clash with Richmond, after being subbed out of the weekend's match.
Walker was taken from the ground during the first half with a back issue that has been a consistent problem over the journey.
Adelaide could be without three of its biggest stars for Thursday night's clash with Richmond.
Another back injury will force Taylor Walker to watch from the stands, Matt Crouch is sweating on scans and skipper Jordan Dawson is also in doubt. @EmmaHendo9 #9News pic.twitter.com/OUBwzDEpUO
— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) June 2, 2024
Current skipper Jordan Dawson also faces a race against the clock to mend a foot problem that hindered his performance over the weekend.
Dawson was given the all-clear to play on Saturday after passing a range of pre-game fitness tests.
Facing a five-day turnaround, the Crows captain is likely to be rested but will be given every chance to play as the season is quickly slipping away.
