Adelaide could have a host of players available for this weekend’s game against Hawthorn. 

Midfielder Matt Crouch is aiming to return to football in the near future after responding favourably to rehabilitation from mid-season shoulder surgery.

Crouch will have a surgical review this week and if cleared, can resume contact training and push for selection.

“In some good news, Matt is preparing to return to play sooner than expected which is a credit to him and the rehabilitation team to have him in this position,” High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said.

“The shoulder surgery was a success and he has progressed faster than initially anticipated.

“Matt has continued running while in rehab and if he is given surgical clearance, can resume contact training and work towards being available in coming weeks which is a welcome boost for the team.”

Defender Nick Murray was subbed out of Friday night’s game but was cleared of any serious damage to his knee. 

“Muz hyperextended his knee early on against Essendon, fortunately, the scans were all clear and he’s feeling pretty good,” Burgess said.

“We aren’t sure how much he will be able to do this week, we are hoping he will be able to train and play but at most he will miss one or two weeks if he can’t get up this week.”

Fellow defenders Josh Worrell and Will Hamill and Irishman Karl Gallagher are also set to return this week. 

“Josh and Will have done plenty of running given the finger and arm injuries they’ve had, they need to get final clearance from the surgeon this week, but they will likely both be available,” Burgess said. 

“Karl has done everything we’ve asked of him and has been training really well so he should be available provided he gets through training on Thursday.”

Defender Jordon Butts will have season ending foot surgery this week.

“Buttsy has an unstable foot and unfortunately that means he needs to go in for surgery this week,” Burgess said.

“We’re not too sure what the surgery will be at this stage, but he will miss the rest of the season which is unfortunate for him and the team as he’s been playing some really good footy.”

Injury list as of Tuesday, July 23

Matt Crouch (shoulder) test

Nick Murray (knee) test

Karl Gallagher (hamstring) test

Will Hamill (finger) test

Josh Worrell (arm) test

Jordan Dawson (concussion protocol)

Jordon Butts (foot) season

Luke Pedlar (shoulder) season

Patrick Parnell (shoulder) season

Wayne Milera (knee) season