Andy Otten could make his long-awaited comeback from a second knee reconstruction in Adelaide’s SANFL clash with Central District at Elizabeth on Saturday.

Otten, 26, hasn’t played since rupturing the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in his right knee as he prepared to jump for a mark against Brisbane at the Gabba in Round 20 last season. The versatile Crow previously tore the ACL in his opposite (left) knee at pre-season training in December, 2009.

Otten underwent a traditional reconstruction and, applying the learnings from his first knee injury, made excellent progress in his rehabilitation. The 2013 Crows Coach’s Award winner received the all-clear from his surgeon to resume full training last month and, provided he completes training this week, will return to the playing field 11 months since his the injury.

Otten could be joined at Elizabeth by young midfielder Sam Kerridge, who is a chance to make his comeback from an ankle injury. Kerridge badly sprained his ankle in his only AFL appearance this season against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium in Round Eight.

Defender Kyle Cheney won’t be available for selection at either level this weekend because of a back complaint. Cheney was ruled out of Adelaide’s scheduled clash with Geelong last Saturday and will miss a week or two.

Mitch Grigg, who injured his ankle over the bye weekend, is making good progress in his recovery but is about three weeks away from a return, as is draftee Mitch McGovern (knee).

Rory Sloane, who is back running, will be sidelined for around another month as he recovers from his second fractured cheekbone of the year. The Club will take a conservative approach with Brad Crouch, who is nursing a stress reaction in the foot he fractured back in March.

First-year forward Harry Dear (shoulder) and defender Matthew Jaensch (knee) are the Club’s long-term injury concerns.

The Crows will have an open training session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday, July 8, at 9:30am. The session will run for approximately one hour. The team flies out to Perth on Friday ahead of Saturday night’s match, which starts at 7:10pm South Australian time.

Injury list as of Tuesday, July 7
Sam Kerridge (ankle) – Test
Andy Otten (knee) – Test
Kyle Cheney (back) – 1-2 weeks
Mitch McGovern (knee) – 3 weeks
Mitch Grigg (ankle) – 3-4 weeks
Rory Sloane (cheekbone) – 4-6 weeks
Brad Crouch (foot) – 6-8 weeks
Harry Dear (shoulder) – TBA
Matthew Jaensch (knee) – Season
Brent Reilly (fractured skull) – Retired