Adelaide's string of pre-season injuries looks to have continued on Friday, with key defender Jordon Butts the latest dealing with a worrying new concern.

The Crows are already without Wayne Milera (hamstring), Rory Sloane (eye) and Jake Soligo (ankle) due to new setbacks this week alone, with the latter spotted in a moon boot and yet to learn the full extent of his ailment.

Pair Nick Murray (knee) and Harry Schoenberg (Achilles) are also in recovery following respective issues from last season.

Now, according toย 9 Newsย reporter Emma Henderson, Butts has sustained a hamstring issue just weeks out from the club's opening match simulation clash.

The key defender, who was set to take the lead in Matthew Nicks' defence this year following Murray's setback and the departure of Tom Doedee over the off-season, was unable to finish Friday's session at West Lakes.

Even a minor hamstring issue for Butts could put a line through his name for the Crows' opening practice match against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Friday, February 23.

Adelaide's second pre-season fixture comes against West Coast the following Friday at Hisense Stadium, with the South Australian club then turning their attention to a Round 1 bout with Gold Coast in Queensland in mid-March.

A significant strain for Butts would likely rule him out of the opening rounds of the 2024 season, opening up another hole in Nicks' rearguard.

The Crows found some much-needed depth in Josh Worrell and James Borlase last year, while father-son addition Max Michalanney played 22 matches to be among the leading rookies of 2023.

Adelaide recruited highly-rated Western Australian defender Dan Curtin with their opening pick at last November's draft, with the teenager viewed as a ready-made talent who could earn a debut early into his maiden campaign.

The Crows will fly to the Gold Coast to open their new season on Saturday, March 16 at Heritage Bank Stadium.