Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine in fitness battle ahead of Gather Round opener

Injury is threatening to derail Crows star Izak Rankine's plans of lighting up Adelaide Oval in Thursday night's Gather Round opener.

A recent corked calf injury, coupled with a short turnaround time from last week's controversial one-point loss to the Suns, is threatening his ability to line up for Adelaide on Thursday. 

"It's a short turnaround so we'll be careful just managing at the moment and hopefully I'll be there Thursday," the star forward said.

READ MORE: Gout's speed has stunned us, but he's about to get a head start

READ MORE: 'Could have done that better': NRL star responds to 'grub' claim

READ MORE: Why Slater isn't ready to write battling Panthers off

The 24-year-old is front and centre in the footy world right now following Saturday's controversial defeat to Gold Coast in which he was denied a mark that the AFL later said should have been paid.

"Yeah, I thought I marked it," he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his injury, Rankine is optimistic about taking to the field this week – after he brings out his guitar to showcase his musical talents on an appearance on Channel Nine tonight

"The dream is to come here, perform, sing a couple of songs and kick a couple of goals," he said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.