Galway United's Ronan Manning is expected to miss the remainder of the SSE Aitricity League first division season.
The hugely promising Manning, a younger brother of Ryan, who is currently involved in the Sky Bet Championship play/offs with Swansea City, suffered a cruciate ligament knee injury at training recently.
Manning had missed pre-season, but made a welcome return to action during the Eamonn Deacy Park draws against Treaty United and UCD.
So impressive for Athlone Town in 2020, Manning re-signed for United under John Caulfield.
It is another unfortunate setback for United, who are also without the exciting attacker Francely Lomboto.
Former Galway Hibernians striker Lomboto suffered a serious leg injury in a friendly against Wexford FC two months ago.
On Friday United travel to Turners Cross for a vital clash against Cork City.
