Adelaide Crows senior coach Matthew Nicks has addressed the disappointing injury blow suffered by exciting forward Izak Rankine, with the Crows mentor suspecting his side will be without their influential goalsneak for a number of games.

Rankine, who succumbed to a left hamstring injury, pulled up lame in the waning moments of Adelaide's defeat at the hands of Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG, casting doubt over his availability for the Crows' closing home-and-away fixtures.

The recruit's impending absence is particularly untimely for the West Lakes club, as its finals hopes continue to slide away following a third loss in as many games. Adelaide sits uncomfortably in 13th position on the ladder with just five games remaining, one and a half games shy of eight-placed Geelong.

Addressing the media following his side's narrow loss, Nicks predicted the Crows would lose their mercurial forward for "a few weeks".

"He's had a hammy before and talking through it, it's similar," Nicks said post-game.

"He missed a couple (of games) last time, so fingers crossed that's not a major hammy or tendon.

"I'd say we'll probably lose him for a few weeks."

Prior to succumbing to his ailment, Rankine's influence was evident at the MCG on Sunday, booting three goals to go along with 20 possessions.

The ex-Sun's near-certain absence for next weekend's all-important Showdown with Port Adelaide is compounded by young star Josh Rachele's ongoing suspension, as well as the injury cloud that remains hanging over ball-getter Rory Laird.

The crucial fixture is scheduled for Saturday, July 29 at 7:40 PM (AEST).