CARLTON defender Sam Docherty will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his knee.

Docherty reported knee soreness in the days following the Club’s Round 4 win over North Melbourne and underwent further assessment, with subsequent scans revealing the extent of the injury and that surgery would be required.

“It’s no doubt disappointing for Sam to be sidelined for the coming weeks, given he picked up this season right where he left off last year, in great form,” Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said.

“He’s the ultimate professional though, so once he completes surgery, he’ll launch into his rehab and do everything required to get back to play, which we expect to be in four to six weeks.”