Port Adelaide have suffered a significant blow ahead of Saturday night's AFL Showdown, losing defender Jack Hombsch to a knee injury.
The Power said on Wednesday that Hombsch hurt his right knee late in Sunday's win over Fremantle.
The 24-year-old, who had made a strong start to the season, is expected to be out of action for three to four matches.
"He pulled up a bit sore the next day and scans on Tuesday showed some minor medial (ligament) damage," said Port high performance manager Darren Burgess.
Jackson Trengove is likely to take Hombsch's place.
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Fellow backman Jasper Pittard (hamstring) also has to pass a fitness test, while midfielder Hamish Hartlett is set to return from illness.
This is the first time that Port and Adelaide are unbeaten and hold the top two spots on the ladder ahead of a Showdown.
The Power have a 21-20 advantage, but the Crows have won the past three.
