Galway manager Joe Kernan has expressed relief that Michael Meehan has not suffered a cruciate ligament tear.
However, doctors have confirmed that Meehan has injured his medial ligament and, with bone bruising, is expected to be out for between six to eight weeks.
"It's a big difference being out for six to eight weeks and being out for six to eight months," admitted Kernan.
"Thankfully it's only the medial ligament and he'll start his rehab programme straight away."
Kernan expects the corner-forward to be in time for the Championship.
"We would expect to have him and Sean Armstrong fighting fit for the start of the championship," Kernan added.
Kernan has another nine players on the injured list, with Gareth Bradshaw unlikely to return for Sunday's visit by Tyrone with a recurrence of a heel injury.
Declan Meehan, Kieran Fitzgerald and Fiachra Breathnach are expected to be available, however.