ADELAIDE superstar and co-captain Erin Phillips has had an arthroscope on her reconstructed left knee.

The two-time AFLW best and fairest needed the minor operation to repair a small tear to her meniscus after feeling pain while training, and the Crows have said she will return to training in the new year.

Phillips initially tore her ACL in Adelaide's premiership triumph at the end of March, winning the best-on-ground medal despite the injury.

Heartbreak as Erin Phillips suffers a knee injury The AFLW and Crows superstar is stretchered off in the GF Share via Facebook

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"It’s a slight setback for Erin but it’s not uncommon to have minor irritations in returning to play after ACL reconstructive surgery," Adelaide footy boss Phil Harper said.

"Whilst Erin is keen to play as soon as possible, we will be guided by the club's medical team in conjunction with Erin on her return to play."

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Phillips, 34, said last week she was keen to return to footy in 2020 with an aim of playing in round one, although it is unclear whether the latest operation has affected that timeline.

Adelaide currently have five players sidelined with torn ACLs – Chelsea Randall, Rhiannon Metcalfe, Chloe Scheer, Hannah Button and Phillips – with only Button ruled inactive for the season.