Surgery for Rutten

Veteran Adelaide defender Ben Rutten could miss the start of the AFL season after suffering an injury setback as the Crows ramp up pre-season training.

Twenty eight-year-old Rutten will have foot surgery this week to relieve plantar fasciitis and will be sidelined for six weeks.

He will miss the entire NAB Cup and is in doubt for Adelaide Round 1 clash with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

"Ben's had some issues with his foot over the pre-season," Crows football manager Phil Harper said.

"Recently, it had improved and he was able to resume full training, but unfortunately it flared up again last week and the club medical staff in conjunction with Ben have decided that surgery is now the best option."

"It's not ideal, but given the short period of time in which Chris Knights and Jason Porplyzia were both able to recover from the same surgery we are confident Ben will be right to play in round one of the premiership season," Harper said.

The 101kg full back has also spent the summer battling a knee injury that troubled him during the 2011 season.

Meanwhile Adelaide's fitness coach Stephen Schwerdt said players had returned from their New Year break in good condition.

Three who had surprised him with their output were draftees Sam Kerridge, Luke Brown and Mitch Grigg.