Scans have confirmed that Crows utility Ricky Henderson has a broken tibia at the ankle.

He will have surgery to insert a plate in his left ankle and then will start an extensive rehabilitation program. Medical experts are hopeful that he will be available for selection late in the season.

Henderson, 25, suffered the injury during a training session this morning for players who did not play in Sunday’s NAB Challenge game against Port Adelaide. GM of List Development and Strategy David Noble said the injury occurred in a tackle.

“Rick had the ball and was being tackled. Obviously, somewhere in that process he’s lost his balance and there’s been a distribution of weight (through his leg)," Noble said.

“Rick’s absolutely devastated as any player would be. He’s had a terrific pre-season campaign and through an accident at training it’s put his season on hold.”

A former rookie, Henderson has played 56 games for Adelaide. He emerged as a damaging running defender late last season before a knee injury put a premature end to his year.

Teammate David Mackay said the players were “shattered” for the exciting Crow.

“I was inside doing recovery when it happened, so I don’t know too much about the details but the boys are really devastated for Rick. He’s a popular bloke around the Club and a terrific player. He’s really important for us,” Mackay said.

“The boys are really flat about it. It’s one of those things being involved in this game. These injuries happen sometimes and it’s really unfortunate.”

Henderson, who had knee surgery late last season, sat out the clash with Port but was set to return in Adelaide’s next NAB Challenge game against Carlton on Monday, February 24. Noble said the Club was capable of covering Henderson’s place at half-back.

“Rick’s a crucial part of our backline, but you look at yesterday and we had Cam Ellis-Yolmen out there … we didn’t have Brent Reilly running around (but we’ll get him back soon) and we know Brodie Smith has played some terrific footy off half-back,” Noble said.

“It’s obviously not ideal, but we’re capable of being able to cover the loss of Rick.”