Waterford will go into Sunday's Munster SHC clash with Clare without defender Ken McGrath in their ranks for the first time in 13 years.
The versatile defender has not missed a match since his debut in 1996 but after undergoing knee surgery last Wednesday he is forced to sit out this weekend's clash with the Banner in Limerick.
"I've never missed a championship game," said McGrath. "I didn't start in 2002 because of a shoulder injury but I came on in that match.
"Missing the game will only kick in at the weekend when I am down there.
"I'm disappointed because I was grand for fitness but the Sunday before we went to Portugal, I felt a sharp pain in my knee during a challenge game against Cork."
The loss of the stalwart is a blow to Waterford but they will take comfort in the return of forward Dan Shanahan, who has recovered from the knee injury that has troubled him over the last few weeks.
Eoin Kelly is also likely to be available but Eoin Murphy and forward Paul Flynn are still injured.
Clare will be without Declan O'Rourke but Niall Gilligan returns from a neck injury.