Melbourne have denied that troubled star Liam Jurrah has walked out on the club after he left for Adelaide to be with family members.

Jurrah, who faces trial in September in Alice Springs over assault charges, had been unable to play recently due to an ankle injury.

The club released a statement on Thursday, saying Jurrah had left for Adelaide.

“As is well known, Liam has had a very difficult year dealing with many challenging personal issues,” the statement said.

“Liam has been in contact with the club and confirmed that he wants to spend time with his family.

“It is therefore unlikely that he will play for the remainder of the 2012 season.”

However, the Demons maintain he plans to play on next season.

“Over the past three weeks, Liam has returned to full training and played his first game back with the Casey Scorpions last weekend.

“His attitude has been very positive and he was able to confirm his commitment to continuing to play AFL football with the Melbourne Football Club.

“As the club has stated many times, the personal issues that Liam is dealing with are both confronting and complex.

“We will continue to give our very best support for him.”

Jurrah will face trial over charges he allegedly attacked his cousin with a machete and assaulted other people in an incident near Alice Springs earlier this year.

The footballer and his two co-accused, Josiah Fry and Christopher Walker, will next appear before the Alice Springs Supreme Court on September 3.