Daniel Talia has undergone successful surgery to repair a damaged lateral meniscus in his left knee.
Crows General Manager High Performance Matt Hass said the defender was expected to be back in full training in about 10 to 12 weeks.
“We are hopeful it progresses as we expect and he would be available for round one,” Hass said.
“Daniel is one of the most diligent trainers and will do all he can to be back as soon as possible.”
The Crows’ full playing squad has been out on the track since Wayne Milera Jnr took out the 2km time trial on November 19.
Brad Crouch, who missed the entire 2018 season with a groin injury, reported to West Lakes ahead of schedule to join the Club’s first-to-fourth year players last month.
Hass said Crouch was tracking well after undergoing groin surgery back in June.
“Brad performed well in the time trial,” he said.
“Given his lack of training and playing continuity over the last 12 months, we’ll monitor his loads very closely as he builds towards full training loads before Christmas.”
Midfielder Jordan Gallucci completed his first on-ground run last week since coming back from a toe injury.
“Jordan has completed a large amount of strength work throughout his rehab and has recently commenced over-ground running,” Hass said.
“He will build his training loads up until Christmas and be largely unrestricted in the new year.”
David Mackay is also on modified loads as he recovers from Achilles surgery.
“Similar to Jordy, Dave will build his over-ground training loads pre-Christmas and will rejoin full training early in the new year,” Hass said.
Although they are training away from the main group, Hass said both Gallucci and Mackay were ahead of schedule will their rehabilitation.
A broken ankle during the year has put recruit Kieran Strachan also on a modified program.
“He (Kieran) had quite a significant broken ankle that required surgery earlier this year so we’ll keep him out of highly contested drills until the new year,” Hass said.
Kyle Hartigan (knees) and Andrew McPherson (groin) will continue their rehabilitation programs into the new year.