Shamrock Rovers striker Tony Cousins has been ruled out of action for six weeks after injuring his back.
The former Dundalk and Liverpool forward had recently made a successful comeback from a career threatening knee injury that saw him miss the majority of last season and the start of the current campaign.
Cousins, 31, has been ordered to "rest" and will miss a series of crucial league matches. He will be unavailable for the games against UCD at home, Cork and Derry away and Bohemians at home.
Depending on how he reacts to treatment, no decision will be made on Cousins' availability for the FAI Cup third round tie with Finn Harps on February 3rd until closer to the date.
Sean Francis, another who has returned from injury, deputised for Cousins during Shamrock Rovers comfortable 3-0 defeat of Dublin Bus in their second round FAI Cup clash at the Morton Stadium last Sunday.
Francis, often a substitute on match day, will now partner Tony Grant up front while Cousins receives treatment.
Rovers manager, Damien Richardson, confirmed that Cousins had "a back problem" but explained he "was not sure how it happened."
Richardson said: "We are trying to eradicate the problem by resting him over the next week. We will then put him through a series of exercises to rebuild the muscle in the back."
"You could never ask someone to fill Tony’s boots as he is the best at what he does. Sean [Francis] is a different type of player and is only just back from injury...he is very determined."
The former Shelbourne manager added: "Sean has developed a good playing partnership with Tony Grant and that was clearly evident last week against Dublin Bus...he is a very effective player and I’m delighted to have him in the side."
Approaching such a crucial period of the season, it is unfortunate for Rovers to lose a key player like Cousins but, Richardson can at least look forward to the next month with some optimism.
"We have had six players out injured recently and it’s my priority to get them back...with a full sized squad, I’m confident that Shamrock Rovers are a match for anyone."
Richardson concluded by saying: "I’m looking forward to the challenge over the next month or so and I have every confidence Shamrock Rovers can rise to the challenge."