Veteran Adelaide defender Daniel Talia will miss the next eight to 10 weeks after being struck down by a serious foot injury.
The two-time All-Australian had made a full recovery from post-season knee surgery and was preparing to return to play before developing foot pain over the past fortnight.
Scans showed inflammation of a tendon in his left foot which has not responded to a conservative rehabilitation plan and has prevented him from running.
Talia was sent for a specialist review after reporting the ongoing soreness, and he will undergo surgery this week to address the issue.
"Further investigation into Daniel's foot pain has shown it is the result of a bone spur which is irritating a tendon," Crows head of football Adam Kelly said
"It's been determined that surgery is going to be required for his foot injury.
"Post surgery we will develop a return to play plan but at this point it's too early to make a call on when that will occur.
"This course of action will give Daniel the best chance of playing a meaningful role in the second half of our 2021 season."
Midfielder Matt Crouch (groin) is expected to resume running this week as he builds his training loads in preparation for a return to play.
The Crows still don't have a timeline on his expected return.
David Mackay, who missed last week's win over Gold Coast with hamstring tightness, will have a fitness test to determine whether he can play against North Melbourne this Sunday.
