Tadhg Kennelly is out of the International rules series in Australia next month.
The Kerry man requires a hernia operation, and his club Sydney Swans are eager for him to undergo the operation quickly and maximise his rest period before the new season.
The news is the second blow to be dealt to Irish manager John O'Keeffe, who earlier in the week lost captain Seamus Moynihan to injury. Moynihan, who has a torn calf muscle, is expected to be replaced in the skipper's role by Armagh's Kieran McGeeney.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
