MELBOURNE ace midfielder Karen Paxman is unlikely to play against Adelaide in Saturday night's NAB AFL Women's match at Casey Fields.

The Demons will take a cautious approach to her back injury to ensure such a crucial member of the onball group can return the following round.

Medical scans cleared Paxman of structural damage after the distressed Demon was assisted from the ground by two trainers in the opening quarter of the first round against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday night.

She didn't attempt to train on Tuesday night and the club will monitor her recovery from the back spasms.

Melbourne is desperate to leave open all options. Paxman is still a chance to be cleared to play if she can move freely without any restriction or discomfort at training on Thursday night.

It's a setback for Melbourne in preparations to host the Crows as Paxman started the season in brilliant form after a strong pre-season campaign.

Paxman won the clearance from the opening bounce against GWS, had four possessions inside the first minute and already had eight touches before she was crippled by the back pain after a hurried kick on the wing at the 14-minute mark.