Crows forward Walker battling calf strain

Walker, who leads the league's goalkicking with 22 majors from five games, is carrying a "low-grade" calf injury, the Crows' head of football Adam Kelly says.

The veteran forward had his injured calf heavily strapped at halftime of Adelaide's 12-point loss to Fremantle last Sunday.

"Tex carried a low-grade calf strain into the game," Kelly told the club's website.

"Pleasingly he got through the game fine. That (injury) will continue to be monitored throughout the week with the expectation he will play against the Hawks."

The Crows, in seventh spot with three wins and two losses, meet 17th-placed Hawthorn in Launceston.

Adelaide's captain Rory Sloane has resumed running after having eye surgery to correct a retinal detachment.

Sloane, who has missed the past two matches, is at least two weeks from returning to play while fellow midfielder Matt Crouch could spend another month on the sidelines.

Crouch hasn't featured in a premiership game this season, troubled by a groin injury after having off-season hip surgery.

But the Crows expect Tom Lynch to front against the Hawks despite the linkman battling a toe injury.

"Tom has been sore in his foot for a few weeks now," Kelly said.

"He has been able to ... get through games, (his toe) will be monitored throughout the week."

Australian Associated Press