Van Berlo suffered a knock to the knee in last Sunday night's nine-point loss to Port Adelaide and was subbed out of the match for Bernie Vince in the third quarter.
The club initially considered the skipper likely to take his place in Sunday's game against the Western Bulldogs, but tests revealed significant bruising.
Crows football manager Phil Harper told AFL.com.au that while van Berlo's injury was disappointing, the club had significant talent already in the side and in the SANFL ready to step up.
"We think we've had plenty of guys in form in the SANFL; straight to mind comes (Tom) Lynch, Jarryd Lyons from Glenelg, Sam Kerridge from Sturt, Rory Laird from West Adelaide - so there's plenty of guys who would be putting their hand up to take a spot that's available," Harper said.
"There's a lot of guys in form in the SANFL and some of them need to be rewarded.
"All those guys would be capable but there are already guys who are in the team who could go into that role."
Reigning club champion and vice captain Scott Thompson will take the reins as skipper on Sunday.
Harper said making the prolific midfielder the club's main on-field leader was an obvious decision that would mean a smooth transition for the other players.
He also said van Berlo's absence would allow less experienced players to step up their own leadership.
"He's basically been vice captain for the last couple of years and he's been in the leadership group for four or five years, so he's a leader anyway.
"Whilst Nathan won't be tossing the coin, most of the leadership stays intact, and gives some of the younger guys an opportunity to show some leadership as well."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
