Forward Lewis Johnston will be sidelined for two months after scans revealed a small fracture adjacent to his left knee joint.

Johnston sustained the injury early in North Adelaide’s win over Norwood at Prospect on Saturday afternoon. The 22-year-old doesn’t require surgery, but will have to avoid weight bearing exercise while the fracture heals. There is no ligament damage.

General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper said it was an unfortunate setback for Johnston, who was among the options to replace injured forward Taylor Walker.

“It’s really disappointing for Lewis because he’s had a good start to the year in the SANFL and was pressing for senior selection,” Harper said.

“We’ll support Lewis in his rehabilitation and look forward to him getting back and playing good footy again later in the season.”

A first-round pick (No.12) in the 2008 AFL National Draft, Johnston was traded to Adelaide at the end of the 2011 season. The Port Pirie product made his Crows debut against Fremantle in Round 20 last year and has played a career total of three games.

Johnston is equal-leader of the SANFL goalkicking this season, with 14 goals.