Adelaide will be without superstar midfielder Rory Laird for Sunday's matchup with Melbourne.

Laird sustained an AC joint injury in his side's Round 18 loss to GWS but was able to play out the match, with the Crows holding plans to monitor their inside onballer in the days following their home defeat.

Adelaide had not listed Laird in their injury report earlier this week, however, coach Matthew Nicks has confirmed the 29-year-old won't line up against Melbourne this weekend.

โ€œLairdy won't play this weekend, he's just a little bit banged up and his shoulder is a bit too sore, so we won't take a risk there,โ€ Nicks told reporters on Thursday.

โ€œThat changes a few things for us, he's obviously a really important part of our midfield.

โ€œWe will be able to give the opportunity to others that are playing some really good footy at SANFL level.

โ€œIt's disappointing that Lairdy won't be there but we have got guys there who can take the opportunity.โ€

According toย 9 News Adelaide reporter Emma Henderson, young defender Max Michalanney is also in doubt.

Laird's absence is expected to open a spot for forgotten midfielder Matt Crouch, who has managed just one game this season.

Young flanker Jake Soligo is no certainty to return to Nicks' side after a week's break where he did not play at either level.

The Crows will be without small forward Josh Rachele for the next two games due to suspension, forcing Nicks into making multiple changes for their trip to Victoria.

Adelaide will name their initial squad for Round 19 at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday night before reducing their squad to 22 men at 5:00pm on Friday.

The Crows will then name their tactical sub an hour prior to Sunday's opening bounce at the MCG, which is scheduled for 3:20pm.