Western Bulldogs defender Dale Morris has suffered a knee injury and will spend an extended period of time on the sidelines.

Morris suffered a small tear to his anterior cruciate ligament at the Bulldogs’ training session on Thursday at VU Whitten Oval.

He will be managed conservatively, and his rehabilitation will involve a targeted strength and rehabilitation program.

“This strategy will maximise the chance of Dale being able to play a meaningful part in the 2018 season,” said Bulldogs’ Medical Services Manager Chris Bell.

“While this is not a common injury, there have been other similar cases in the AFL where surgery was not required for the healing process.

“Given the type of injury this is, and the unknown nature of the recovery time, we will work with Dale over the coming 8-12 weeks to more accurately determine when he is able to return to the field.”