Seamus Callanan has all but ruled himself out of the early rounds of the Munster Hurling Championship, in a major blow for the Premier men.
The Tipperary star is recovering from a badly broken hand and will see a specialist next Monday.
Former Hurler of the Year, Callanan had wires inserted in his hand that have to stay in for six weeks after sustaining the injury at a training session in early March.
Tipperary face Waterford at Walsh Park in a crunch Munster round robin opener on Sunday, April 17, and are in Clare the following Sunday, April 24.
Four-time All Star, Callanan looks set to miss both games.
Tipp have a two week gap to their next game, which may allow the Drom and Inch hit man the time to get ready for what could be a make or break trip to the Gaelic Grounds to face All-Ireland champions, Limerick.
Only three teams qualify out of the group and go on to compete for the All-Ireland, with the other two sides exiting the competition.
Tipp’s final game of a gruelling Munster campaign is at home to Cork on Sunday, May 22.
Callanan (33) said: “Unfortunately, I'd say the first few rounds are probably out for me.
“I won't know much more until I'm meeting the specialist again next Monday.
“I can't see it being a case of them being able to take out the wires early but at the moment it's not looking good for the first two games.
“Look - let's see. I'll keep my body ready anyway and hopefully be fit to contribute at some stage.”
Callanan continued: “There's not a lot I can do, only try and keep fit at the minute. It's just going to last as long as it lasts really.
“There's a couple of wires in it there. They need to be in it for a six-week period and then hopefully get back at it.
“So at the moment it's just running and trying to keep as ready as I can be. But obviously (I) can't do much more than that at the moment.”
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