ADELAIDE key defender Daniel Talia is in a race against time for the Crows' season opener as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.

The dual All Australian had surgery on his left knee in December after an innocuous incident at home.

Veteran defender Andy Otten said the 27-year-old was in doubt for the side's round one match with Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on March 23.

"Talia's probably a little bit off still," Otten told SEN on Thursday morning.

He had pretty serious surgery and he'll be in a bit of a battle for round one.

However, the news is better for fellow key back Kyle Hartigan, who is being eased back into the main training group after an interrupted pre-season.

"Hartigan's just joined back into some drills, which is great," Otten said.

"He'll be building up over the next three weeks back into full training."

Hartigan had surgery on both knees at the end of last season.