Former Crows captain Walker was absent from the club's training session at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, granted time off by the club amid growing scrutiny.

Walker is alleged to have made a racial comment about an opposition player during a SANFL match between the Crows and North Adelaide in July.

The 31-year-old was a spectator at the match and is alleged to have made the comment at the Crows' huddle during the quarter-time break.

Adelaide assistant coach Nathan van Berlo opened a scheduled press conference on Thursday with a statement addressing the issue.

"I understand there's really high level of interest in the football club at the moment but I hope you can understand and appreciate that I'm not in a position to make any comment this morning due to the fact it is a highly sensitive and highly confidential matter at the time being," van Berlo said.

The Crows coaching staff and playing group have discussed the matter, which is unfolding during the build-up to Saturday night's Showdown against arch rivals Port Adelaide.

It is unclear if Walker will play against the Power, with teams set to be named on Thursday night.

"We had a discussion as a group but we're not going to go into details at this stage," van Berlo said.

The AFL investigation is ongoing and it is unclear when it will be complete.

Like the Crows, the AFL will not comment on the specifics of the investigation.

Walker has been in outstanding form this season, kicking 48 goals in 17 games to be second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.

Last month he signed a new one-year contract with the Crows.

Australian Associated Press