Henry Shefflin will play no part in next month's All-Ireland SHC Final after it was confirmed he had damaged ligaments in his left knee.
Kilkenny's all-time leading scorer picked up the injury after 25 minutes of the semi-final victory over Cork and will play no further part this season.
"Henry Shefflin's injury has been confimed as a cruciate ligament to his left knee. His previous cruciate injury was to his right knee," a statement read.
Shefflin received the news from orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tadhg O'Sullivan at 11am on Tuesday morning and was said to be devastated.
There was better news for Brian Hogan, who picked up a shoulder injury against the Rebels.
"Brian Hogan's shoulder injury is not as serious first thought. With treatment he should be fit for the All-Ireland final."
The statement concludes: "The Kilkenny County Board and all Kilkenny supporters wish both Henry and Brian the best as they begin their recoveries."