Waterford captain Tony Browne has been ruled out of the Munster hurling final against Cork with an ankle injury.
The midfielder fell awkwardly during the semi-final replay win over Limerick in Thurles two weeks ago and was withdrawn immediately.
Waterford manager Justin McCarthy is resigned to making do without the former hurler of the year who will now target a return to action in time for a possible All-Ireland semi-final. Waterford defend their Munster title against the Leesiders on Sunday week.