Young Crows midfielder Matt Crouch will wear a moon boot for the next three weeks as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Crouch, who saw a specialist on Monday, fell awkwardly during a training drill prior to Christmas and suffered ligament damage.

He required surgery on his left ankle and is now embarking on a rehabilitation program.

Crows Head of Football David Noble said Crouch was expected to resume training in a few weeks.

“It is unfortunate as Matt was relishing the hard work in the lead up to the Christmas break,” Noble said.

“He was able to build a solid fitness base and we look forward to having him back as soon as possible.”

Matt, recruited by the Crows at the 2013 national draft, played eight AFL games in his first season with the Club. The 19-year-old received a NAB Rising Star nomination in round five and in the last round of the season played with his brother Brad for the first time in the AFL.