Kilkenny forward DJ Carey could be out of action for up to six weeks after breaking his finger during a club match on Sunday.
The injury will force the nine-time Allstar to miss the upcoming National Hurling League games against Galway, Laois and Clare.
However, Kilkenny are hoping that their influential star, who returned from injury to help the county to All-Ireland victory last year, will be fit again for the league climax should the Cats progress in the competition.