The Roosters have been dealt a brutal pre-season blow with gun utility Connor Watson set to be sidelined for an extended period.

The 26-year-old suffered a suspected patella tendon injury during training on Friday and according to a Sydney Roosters spokesperson will meet with a surgeon early next week.

According to the NRL Physio, Watson could be sidelined for at least two months with only a partial tear that avoids surgery.

If the No.14 has suffered a tendon rupture, the Tricolours could be without the former Newcastle star for a period of six to nine months.

Watson made the move back to the Roosters ahead of the 2022 season after a four-year stint with the Knights.

Watson played 66 games for the Hunter club after making his debut for the Tricolours in 2016, playing 16 games and 22 in 2017.

In recent years the Roosters have been hit heavily with injuries, including Billy Smith and Sitili Tupouniua’s ACL blows during 2022.