As they deal with the fall-out from Nathan Bock's assault charge, Adelaide have been suffered a further setback with the news that Trent Hentschel will be out of AFL action for a month due to swelling in his patched-up right knee.

Hentschel's knee blew up during the first half of the Crows' loss to St Kilda at AAMI Stadium on Friday night, the second time it has done so this season after also filling with fluid following Adelaide's pre-season match against the Indigenous All-Stars in Darwin.

Subsequent inspection has shown up no obvious structural issues with the joint, which was reconstructed in 2006 after Hentschel suffered a horrific knee/leg injury against Port Adelaide.

But medical staff have decided to operate in order to clean out any "debris" that may be floating around.

"There is no obvious structural damage to the knee," said Adelaide chief medical officer Dr Andrew Potter.

"But Trent visited his surgeon this morning and he recommended they inspect the joint and remove any debris that may be there."

The loss of Hentschel limits Adelaide's key position options given that he can also play in defence, and may factor into what the club decides to do about Bock, the All-Australian centre-half back.

Adelaide's other versatile tall Scott Stevens was missed against the Saints and must prove his recovery from a hamstring ailment this week before he can be selected to play against Fremantle in Perth on Easter Sunday.

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