Carlton defender Jeremy Laidler has been carried off on a stretcher after suffering what appeared to be a dislocated knee cap during Sunday’s AFL pre-season cup match against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Laidler fell to the turf after a marking contest late in the first quarter and immediately clutched at his swollen knee.

The possible absence of the 189cm Laidler from Carlton’s round-one side to play Richmond at the MCG on March 29 is another blow to the Blues who also have their best defender Michael Jamison currently on the sidelines with a back injury.