Roosters coach Marc Greig confirmed on Wednesday that a scan had revealed a small muscle tear which would most likely sideline Herbert for four to six weeks.

Initial fears were that he had sustained a serious Achilles tendon injury. Herbert suffered the setback in the second quarter against Essendon on Saturday.

Greig said Hebert’s return would be determined by how he responded to rehabilitation.

This is yet another turn of bad luck for Herbert since joining the Roosters last year.

He strained a hamstring in round one last season and did not play again for the year after injuring a shoulder when close to returning.

Herbert has played in six of North Ballarat’s seven games this season.

As well as losing Herbert for Sunday’s clash at Eureka Stadium with Box Hill Hawks, the Roosters will also be without Matt Johnston (broken ribs) and Lane Buckwell (unavailable).