Key forward Taylor Walker is expected to return to Adelaide’s team to play Geelong on Friday night as he recovers from a back injury.
The reigning All-Australian will train at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday night and providing he gets through, will be a step closer to taking his spot in the Crows’ Round Two team.
He missed the Round One loss to Gold Coast due to lingering soreness from a back spasm.
“Tex is really keen to get back out there on Friday night,” High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said.
“We were hoping he would get up (last week) but he had a pretty nasty back spasm and wasn’t able to do much late last week.
“Pleasingly, it’s improved over the last three or four days, he still won’t do everything at training tonight, but we are expecting him to take part in training and make himself available on the weekend.
“It’s been a bit of a slow burn but we are happy with his progress so far.”
Key defender Jordon Butts had treatment on his ankle in the final quarter of Saturday night’s game and did not return to the field but is expected to be available for selection this week.
Midfielder Rory Sloane continues to train in preparation for a return to play from eye surgery but without a timeline.
“Right now Sloaney is preparing to play, he’s doing everything at training, in the gym and on field,” Burgess said.
“He’s in constant contact with eye specialists and trying different goggles, so there’s no real timeline yet on when he might come back to play.”
Onballer Harry Schoenberg has resumed full training following Achilles surgery last year and is 5-7 weeks away from returning to footy.
“Schonny is fully training and doing everything that we’re asking of him, he’s worked really hard with the gym staff and it’s exciting to see him back on the track with the boys,” Burgess said.
Injury list as of Tuesday, March 19
Taylor Walker (back) Test
Rory Sloane (eye) TBC
Harry Schoenberg (Achilles) 5-7 weeks
Nick Murray (Knee) 9-11 weeks
Riley Thilthorpe (Knee) 11-13 weeks
