ADELAIDE could be without Daniel Talia for the start of next season, with the star defender set to be sidelined for up to three months after undergoing knee surgery.

Talia damaged the lateral meniscus in his left knee after an "innocuous incident at home" earlier in the week, putting his chances of returning ahead of round one in doubt.

The club revealed on Thursday that he is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks before returning to full training, which could take him through until March.

"We are hopeful it progresses as we expect and he would be available for round one," Adelaide's high performance manager Matt Hass said.

"Daniel is one of the most diligent trainers and will do all he can to be back as soon as possible."

Fellow defender Kyle Hartigan remains on a modified program after having surgery on both knees, but the club is confident Brad Crouch's recovery is progressing as planned.

Crouch missed all of last season with a groin injury, undergoing surgery to rectify the problem in June.

"Brad performed well in the time trial," Hass said.

"Given his lack of training and playing continuity over the last 12 months, we'll monitor his loads very closely as he builds towards full training loads before Christmas."

The Crows open their season against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, March 23.