Kilmacud Crokes star Paul Mannion will miss three months of action after undergoing ankle surgery.
The 29-year-old didn't feature for Crokes in their Dublin Senior Football Championship semi-final victory over Thomas Davis on Sunday afternoon, and will miss the county final matchup with Na Fianna in a few weeks time.
Mannion picked up the injury in the quarter-final win over Cuala a couple of weeks ago. Initial fears that the injury was a serious one have come to pass, with Crokes manager Robbie Brennan confirming to RTE Radio that Mannion is set for a period on the sidelines.
"He had surgery on the Thursday just gone and he’s gone long-term now," said Brennan.
"I think the recovery period is three months from surgery like that on the ankle. Look, we won’t be trying to rush him back.
"He’s got a full intercounty season ahead with Dessie and the lads and I’m sure that will be his focus."
It's a massive blow for Crokes who will be aiming to win the Dublin Championship for the second year in a row having beaten St Jude's in the final last year.
Mannion's injury also impacts Croke's aim of winning the Club All Ireland Championship. Crokes lost to Kilcoo of County Down in last years final, with Mannion also missing that game through injury.
With the National football league not starting until 2023, Dubs boss Dessie Farrell should be able to call upon Mannion when Dublin's Division Two campaign kicks off.
For Kilmacud, they'll have to look elsewhere for scores come county final day. Galway star Shane Walsh has settled into his new side in impressive fashion, and all the pressure will be on his shoulders to deliver a county title for his new club in a few weeks time.
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