Paddy McBrearty will miss the rest of the Championship after scans showed he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the Ulster final win over Fermanagh.
The forward was substituted in the 38th minute because of injury, having been unable to continue after picking up a complaint in the first half.
McBrearty kicked eight points, including six from play, in the win over Derry, and six points against Down in the semi-final.
The injury seemed somewhat innocuous and at first he tried to continue in the game, but it has now emerged that ligament damage was the issue.
It’s a big blow to Donegal and the 24-year-old with a place in the Super 8s already secured having won the Ulster crown.
A tweet from Donegal GAA read: "Donegal GAA wish to confirm that Patrick McBrearty's injury has been confirmed as a season ending ACL tear. He will be under the care of Dr Kevin Moran and we wish him well in his recovery."
