ADELAIDE forward Mitch McGovern will see a specialist this week to determine if he requires surgery for a serious hamstring injury that could sideline him for an extended period. 

Scans have revealed McGovern suffered a "significant amount of damage" to his right hamstring in the Crows' Showdown win over Port Adelaide at the weekend. 

The 22-year-old could face a similar period on the sidelines to Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn if he requires surgery to repair tendon damage, like the All Australian big man. 

"Unfortunately, scans have revealed a fairly significant amount of damage," high performance manager Matt Hass told the Crows' website.

"Across the rest of this week, we’ll consult specialists and come up with a plan of action. 

"It’s fair to say, he will spend a period of time on the sidelines." 

McGovern will likely be replaced by tall forward Josh Jenkins, who is hopeful of returning from a rib injury to face Essendon at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.  

"At this point, the cartilage is causing him the most grief," Hass said of Jenkins. 

"We’ll continue to assess him day by day and do everything that we can to get him up for the weekend."

Midfielder Scott Thompson, who is returning from a groin injury, faces a fitness test this week after being withdrawn late from Adelaide's SANFL clash at the weekend.

Onballer Brad Crouch is a strong chance to come into the team to face the Bombers, after a brilliant 40-possession return from a hamstring injury in the SANFL.