Patrick McBrearty goes under the knife in Dublin today to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The Donegal star picked up the horror injury in the Ulster final win over Fermanagh and will be out of action until 2019.
McBrearty had been in flying form and was Donegal’s top scorer this year.
McBrearty had a scan the following day and his worst fears were confirmed and the Kilcar man has surgery today in the Santry Sports Clinic.
“It’s going to be near the completion of the league/start of the championship next year before he gets back,” Donegal manager Declan Bonner said.
“He’s a huge loss, and it’s disappointing for him and the whole group, but he will come back an even stronger person for it, so the recovery starts very shortly.”
McBrearty remains actively involved in the Donegal panel in spite of his injury, and was with the squad last weekend for the game against Roscommon.
Bonner said: “He was with us in Roscommon last weekend, so he is one of the leaders in the squad even though he is still only 24. He has been playing for seven years since he was 17.”
Last year, McBrearty captained Kilcar to their first Donegal senior football championship title in 24 years and Bonner believes he can return to lead the county.
The Donegal manager said: “Yeah, he took on the responsibility of captain for his club last year, and we all know the qualities he brings to the football field, but he is also a leader for the team and will be for a good few years in a Donegal jersey.”
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