Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe is set to miss at least three months after having knee surgery, the club has confirmed.
Thilthorpe went down with a torn meniscus in Saturday’s Community Series clash against West Coast.
The 21-year-old underwent an arthroscope and surgical repair on his left knee following the injury, with the club confirming that the procedure was a success.
Thilthorpe will now begin his recovery with the club stating that he’ll be ready to return to play in 12 to 14 weeks.
Crows performance manager Darren Burgess says the club will take a conservative approach to the former No. 2 draft pick’s rehabilitation.
“It’s obviously very disappointing for Riley and the team, he’s had a fantastic pre-season and had put in a lot of hard work to put himself in a strong position for the year ahead,” Burgess said via a statement.
“But now his focus shifts to his rehabilitation and Riley is very diligent when it comes to his training and preparation which will hold him in good stead.
“Given his age and that he is such a valuable, long-term player for us, we are taking a conservative view with his return to play and see him being a significant contributor for the second half of our season.
“After a period of rest at home, he will continue his upper body training at the Club and will spend about six weeks in a knee brace before progressing to on-legs training and then running.”
If Thilthorpe misses 14 weeks, he could return for Adelaide’s Round 13 game against Richmond at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, June 6.
Thilthorpe has played 46 games for the Crows where he has kicked 44 majors.
