Donegal ace Michael Murphy may miss the entirety of his county’s Allianz Football League campaign.
The former Young Footballer of the Year, one of the brightest stars in the big ball game, is set for surgery on a Gilmore's groin problem, though it has not yet been finally confirmed that he will take that option.
The Glenswilly ace is meeting with a surgeon this week to iron out his plans to combat the problem, with his county manager Jim McGuinness having said on Sunday that Murphy’s long-term welfare is the key concern for the Tir Chonaill camp.
"The only thing I will say about the decision that has to be made is that it'll be for the good of Michael in the long term," Murphy said after his side’s Dr McKenna Cup defeat to Cavan on Sunday.
“He is only 23 and we won't be doing anything to jeopardise his career."
The Donegal boss added in the Irish Examiner: “"If he is out for the whole league or just two or three games, his rehab plan will be based on getting Michael Murphy back to full fitness.”