Veteran full-back Ben Rutten faces a fitness test ahead of Adelaide’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Rutten was a late withdrawal from the Crows’ game against Greater Western Sydney because of knee soreness. Coach Brenton Sanderson said the All Australian defender had been battling with a knee complaint for several weeks.
“Truck (Rutten) just hurt his knee a bit in the (pre-season) trial game against GWS and has been struggling to get on top of it in the first three or four weeks of the season,” Sanderson said.
“We had a chat late this week and felt like it was probably the right time, while it was still niggling, to give him a spell.”
The Crows reported no new injuries in either the AFL or SANFL on the weekend. Matt Crouch experienced cramping and was substituted at three-quarter time of the Club's win over GWS. Utility Andy Otten made a successful return from a knee injury in Adelaide’s first SANFL win over Central District.
Rising Star runner-up Brad Crouch (fractured leg) is three weeks away from a comeback, while rookie-listed ruckman Jack Osborn (back) is listed at 2-3 weeks.
Forward Taylor Walker (knee), captain Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) and utility Ricky Henderson (ankle) are listed as ‘TBA’ on the Club’s official injury list.
Adelaide will have an open training session from 10:30am on Saturday morning (April 26) at AAMI Stadium. Entry is via the gate near the player’s race on the eastern side of the ground.
Injury list as of April 21
Ben Rutten (knee) – Test
Brad Crouch (leg) – 3 weeks
Jack Osborn (back) – 2-3 weeks
Taylor Walker (knee) – TBA
Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) – TBA
Ricky Henderson (Ankle) – TBA