Van Berlo has a serious battle on his hands to play any part in the 2014 campaign due to the serious injury, although the 27-year-old is optimistic he can return to the field in August.
While van Berlo is sidelined, new vice-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane will shoulder the on-field leadership load.
Despite the injury setback to van Berlo, coach Brenton Sanderson said the club was unwavering in its support for the 182-game veteran to continue as captain.
"After comprehensive discussions, in which we assessed all the options, we were unanimous in the decision that Nathan is the best leader of our footy club. He's the standout," Sanderson said.
"We'd reached that decision prior to 'VB' getting injured. After Nathan was injured, we thought he could still do a fantastic job in leading the club off the field.
"In the best case scenario, hopefully, we get him back mid-season anyway."
Sanderson was confident his team would be in safe hands while van Berlo continued his rehabilitation with the leadership skills of Dangerfield and Sloane going to 'another level'.
"Patrick and Rory are both developing into outstanding leaders," Sanderson said.
"They've exhibited an enormous amount of great leadership in the two years I've been at the club and they've gone to another level again this summer.
"We feel they'll do a fantastic job as acting captains, with the assistance of Nathan while he's on the sidelines.
"If there's any silver lining in Nathan's injury, it's that these two 23-year-olds will be exposed to on-field captaincy roles, perhaps, a bit earlier than they otherwise would have."
Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson and Sam Jacobs round out Adelaide's seven-man leadership group.
The Crows' first practice match is against Port Adelaide on February 16 at Adelaide's Richmond Oval.