Struggling Adelaide have been dealt a further setback with a hamstring injury expected to sideline AFL star Eddie Betts for a month.
Betts was injured in the fourth quarter of the Crows’ 56-point loss to Hawthorn on Saturday.
Grand finalists last season, Adelaide are in danger of missing this year’s final series after losing their past four matches.
Adelaide confirmed Betts’ hamstring injury – his second of the season – on Tuesday night.
“Eddie has suffered a slight strain to the tendon which equates to a recovery period of approximately four weeks,” head of football Brett Burton told the club’s website.
“Obviously it is disappointing to be missing a player of his ability but it creates an opportunity for others to step up and perform.”
Adelaide are resigned to Brad Crouch being unavailable for the entire season after the midfielder recovers from recent groin surgery.
Back-up ruckman Reilly O’Brien will also miss the rest of the year after being sent for a shoulder operation.