Adelaide will be without defender Will Hamill for close to a month after the dashing backman sustained a broken finger in last week's win over GWS.
Coach Matthew Nicks confirmed the 23-year-old's setback on Thursday, with the club having initially hoped the damage to Hamill's hand would be minor.
Scan results have since confirmed a fracture, with Hamill requiring surgery and now facing up to four weeks on the sidelines.
"Unfortunately we are going to lose Will Hamill, which is one we we were hoping didn't go that way," Nicks said.
"He injured his finger last weekend and the results of that have been unfortunately not as good as we thought.
"He'll go in for surgery today, so he'll miss three or four weeks with a cracked finger.
"Will was going so well, he's found his groove this year and really made that spot his own, so this is a bit of a setback for him but an opportunity for someone else."
The injury will force the Crows into at least one change for Sunday's trip to Brisbane to face the Lions.
Veteran Brodie Smith has put up strong performances since being dropped to the SANFL and could come back into the side in Hamill's place, while rookie Dan Curtin and uncapped defender Hugh Bond could also be considered.
Nicks made note of Bond's continued run of strong form, which is giving the selection committee something to consider in their home stretch, however the club will choose on form over future.
Wingman Chayce Jones is likely to return after being a late out for the game against the Giants with a back issue, while Round 16 debutant Zac Taylor be promoted to a starting role after being named sub.
Adelaide "don't want to rush" ruck-forward Riley Thilthorpe back into the senior side for his first game of 2024 despite a promising return through the SANFL last weekend.
Nicks confirmed the 21-year-old is likely to remain at the state league level as they take a cautious approach in the wake of his recovery from a knee injury sustained in the pre-season.
