Crouch hasn’t played an AFL game this year, but Crows captain Taylor Walker says Crouch isn’t booked in for surgery, which would end his hopes of returning this season.

“Brad is still having some troubles with his groins,” Walker told Triple M radio today.

“But like anything, he consults with his physios and doctors and we have a plan … he is doing a little bit but hopefully we get Bradley back ASAP.”

Former Hawthorn player Campbell Brown told the Talking Footy program on Channel 7 last night that Crouch was booked in for surgery and his season was over.

While Walker poured cold water on that claim, he admitted he was in doubt for Friday night’s home clash against the Western Bulldogs as his injury-troubled season continues.

The Adelaide captain missed the season-opener because of a foot injury and the round seven game because of hamstring soreness.

On return last Saturday against Port Adelaide, Walker left the field with tightness in a glute muscle but played out the game.

The key forward said he would have to prove his fitness to face the Dogs at training on Wednesday.

“My back and glute have been causing me a bit of stiffness and referred pain,” he said.

“I will have to get through the main session tomorrow.”

Walker said fellow forward Mitch McGovern was also in doubt to front against the Bulldogs after copping a head knock late in the loss to Port.

But the club captain said there was looming relief to Adelaide’s lengthy injury list, which had 14 players on it last week.

Walker said six players – Curtly Hampton, Wayne Milera, Sam Gibson, Alex Keath, Kyle Hartigan and Riley Knight – were expected to be available for selection this week.

– with AAP