Fearless Adelaide skipper Rory Sloane is to undergo surgery to fix a serious eye issue.
The 31-year-old has been ruled out of the Crows’ AFL clash with North Melbourne on Sunday and will miss up to four weeks.
Sloane suffered blurred vision at the Crows’ training session on Thursday before consulting with a specialist.
It was determined he will have surgery to fix a retinal detachment, which happens when part of the eye pulls away from supportive tissue.
Crows football manager Adam Kelly said this was a rare injury that Sloane and the club were not willing to take any risks with.
“Rory’s health and wellbeing is obviously our number one priority,” Kelly said.
“At this stage, it is hard to give a definitive date on when he will return to the field but we are hopeful of it being in the vicinity of 2-4 weeks.”
“At this stage, it is hard to give a definitive date on when he will return to the field but we are hopeful of it being in the vicinity of 2-4 weeks.”
The eye injury adds to Sloane’s significant injury history, detailed in footage captured by filmmakers for AFL documentary Making Their Mark.
Sitting in a doctor’s office, the popular midfielder rattled off the numerous reasons for his absences – even leaning on wife Belinda to recall some injuries.
Sloane had been forced to contend with a fractured hand through the 2020 season, while he was hobbled by a foot injury in 2018.
The Crows, wooden spooners last year, will be looking to go to a 3-1 record this year when they face the winless Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium.
– with 7NEWS