HOOKER Joe Taufete’e faces more than two months on the sidelines after suffering a blow to his knee on international duty.

The 25-year-old front rower sustained a “grade two medial ligament tear” in USA’s 29-10 victory over Canada in the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Taufete’e has scored four tries in 13 appearances for Worcester this season and recently earned a two-year deal at the club.

But Warriors expect him to be out for between eight and 10 weeks, meaning he will miss a string of key games as the Sixways side bid to secure survival in the Aviva Premiership.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “I don’t know the exact extent of the injury yet.

“It is a grade two medial ligament tear so we will just wait to see and get a clearer picture.

“He’s in a brace at the moment so let’s just see how that travels.

“It may be less (than the expected time).”

Despite losing Taufete’e, Solomons is confident he has got enough cover at hooker with Jack Singleton, Kurt Haupt and Matti Williams battling for the jersey.

“It’s a blow for Joe and it’s a real pity for us as well,” Solomons added.

“But Kurt has done well for us and has fitted in well, so we do have replacements.

“Matti can also provide cover and Jack has been going very well.”