Pocock is helped off after suffering a knee injury against the Sharks © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Mitch Inman | David Pocock

Teams: Australia | Force

Flanker David Pocock is set for 4-6 weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during the Western Force's 39-12 defeat to the Sharks on Saturday.

The Wallabies star limped off early in Saturday's clash and was put in a leg brace after the game, prompting fears of a lengthy absence with the Super Rugby season in its infancy and the World Cup just six months away. The 22-year-old underwent a scan on Sunday and the results revealed the extent of the injury.

"It's disappointing to lose David as he is clearly one of the best players in his position in the world," said Force head coach Richard Graham. "We're fortunate however that the diagnosis means a relatively short time out of action, it certainly could have been much worse.

"During the period David is unavailable we can look to the quality and depth we have in our backrow stocks with Richard Brown, Ben McCalman and Matt Hodgson giving an excellent balance to that area of the ground," added Graham.

Young outside centre Mitch Inman is also expected to be out for a similar period of time as Pocock after dislocating his right elbow in the opening minutes against the Sharks.

"It was really a bizarre injury and not something you often see in a tackle," said Graham. "As with David, Mitch's injury could have been more severe. Our medical team were outstanding and reacted quickly to address the situation and put the joint back in place."

Pocock will have a few days rest before starting his rehabilitation which will include wearing a brace for approximately three weeks. Inman meantime will be required to keep his elbow immobilised for at least a week before undertaking his rehab.

In related news, Western Force centre Rory Sidey has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Sharks winger Odwa Ndungane. Sidey was called before a SANZAR judicial hearing after receiving a straight red card in the 18th minute of the Kings Park clash.