Scott Thompson had minor arthroscopic hip surgery this week.

The experienced Crows midfielder opted to have the procedure after his hip failed to improve with rest since the end of the season.

Thompson’s rehabilitation will restrict some of his pre-season training before Christmas but he is expected to be back to full training in January.

“It’s not ideal timing but if he gets it done now it won’t hold him back too much from the pre-season work,” said GM Football Administration Phil Harper.

“Our medical staff and a hip specialist thought Scott would recover with a few weeks of complete rest but while there has been some improvement it hasn’t been to the level we had hoped.”

Thompson, Adelaide’s Club champion in 2011 and 2012, played every game (22) for the Crows this year despite the niggling hip issue.